body work for a newbie

[cantankrs]

Anthony wrote:

Originally Posted by ahleeds

I always cut the new patch first then lay your new peice over the rusty spot and ... cut out the rust

Whereas ozm29c John Wilson wrote

14...determine the extent of rust damage. Once you have cut the rust out of a particular area, then and only then is when you will know where to start your repairs

I've cut and shaped patches only to find that the rust extends further than I realised. Rusty spots usually turn out to be larger than they initially appear from the outside. Perhaps the best method is a compromise between the two ideas - cutout almost to the edge of the rust and when you're satisfied that both sides are almost clear of it - make and shape your patch a bit oversize and then overlay it. Drilling and using pop rivets or self tappers at the overlap and then saw or slit is also an idea but would need a couple of mig pulls to fill each hole that remains.

Alex