by "shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
Published 05/19/2017 at 13:42
by "shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
Published 05/19/2017 at 13:42
Tags: RUST
STARS: 0
Recently I was discussing the evils of rust with another Oppo, when it occurred to me that I had an ultra-rare afternoon where I didn’t have anything I needed to do, and I didn’t have to pick up my daughters from daycare. I decided it was time to get an estimate to fix the rusty rocker panel on the driver’s side of my truck.
I had gone to four different shops last year when I was deciding if I could afford to save my beloved Roadmaster (I dearly miss that car!). I decided to go to the one that said, “Don’t sink another dollar into this car. Sell it tomorrow, while it’s still solid.” When a shop recommends I not give them money, I feel like that’s an honest shop.
I was fully prepared to pay upwards of a grand to fix that cancer, but secretly hopeful it could be done for less. Boy was I in for a shock.
Apparently the proper way to fix this, is to cut the entire side of the cab structure off at the the body crease above the “chrome” trim. My eyes got wide as the very nice man described everything that would have to be done. He guesstimated as we talked at the truck it would be about a $3,400 job, and then offered to do a formal written estimate if I wanted.
I took him up on the formal estimate, as I just wanted to see how the numbers added up. The number ended up being not as bad as his guesstimate, but still WAY into ain’tgonnahappenland at $3,240.75. Even that came with a couple caveats. The first was, “If we can get the part.” GMT-800 cab sides are no longer being produced, so they’d have to find one sitting in a warehouse somewhere. The second, and even scarier caveat was, “if we don’t find any other bad stuff when we cut into it, but with rust we almost always find other bad stuff.”
The guy was impressed with how well I took the news. I told him, “I’m shocked that it takes that much work to fix this problem, but when you’re describing what it would take to fix it properly, it makes sense that it would cost this much.” I guess your average rust repair estimate seeker doesn’t see things like I do, but as a guy who makes things I know cutting the entire lower side of the cab off and replacing would be a freaking ton of work.
I floated the idea of just cutting the rocker itself out and welding in a new piece. His concern was a weld joint that long holding up over time, which is a valid concern. Frankly a welded seam like that probably isn’t any safer, or maybe is less safe, for my kids than a factory piece with some rust on it.
I’m thinking of grinding the worst of the rust out, POR-15ing the rest, and painting the rockers with bed-liner paint. I need at least three more years out of this truck. I’ve got to pay off my wife’s CX-5 before I can even consider a payment on a replacement truck. I’d prefer to get another 5 or 6 years out of this truck so I can save up a nice big down payment. Well, I’d prefer to keep the truck even longer than that, but if the rust monster starts perforating structural bits, I’m not hauling my family around in it.
UGH!
Any thoughts Oppo?
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
05/19/2017 at 14:31, STARS: 1
I think your plan is the best. Ride this horse as long as you can and save for a good new one.
"Klaus Schmoll" (klausschmoll)
05/19/2017 at 14:33, STARS: 0
Stopping it getting worse in the foreseeable future seems like the best plan. It’s your daily driver not some show truck.
But honestly, isn’t something like that on a BOF vehicle more of the cosmetic nature and not structural?
"Master Cylinder" (mastercylinder28)
05/19/2017 at 14:44, STARS: 0
If you’re not overly concerned about a factory appearance and you have access to a welder, it’s honestly not that hard to cut out the existing rot and weld in a patch of new steel. It’s not a perfect fix but it helps restore the structure and will last longer than just slapping some rust converter over it.
"Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo" (thetomselleck)
05/19/2017 at 15:02, STARS: 1
That could buy half of a potential replacement. I say ride it into the ground. Experiencing similar dilemma with my truck, but I think I’m going to be pragmatic and let it go :/
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
05/19/2017 at 15:37, STARS: 1
I think the POR-15 and bed liner paint really is letting it go. I’m just hoping it buys me an extra year or two.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
05/19/2017 at 15:40, STARS: 0
For the most part, yes it isn’t structural. My only consideration is if I get T-boned. The more metal is in there, the less likely my daughter who rides behind me is going to get hurt. She’s the real reason I’m trying to stave off the rust for a while.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
05/19/2017 at 15:48, STARS: 1
Thanks. It hurts to know I’ll have to let this one go. It’s the only vehicle I’ve ever developed a sentimental attachment to, but I don’t make enough money to be stupid with it :)
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
05/19/2017 at 15:49, STARS: 0
I’m not concerned with appearance, but I don’t have access to a welder. The rust is spread out so widely throughout the rocker, it’d be pretty hard to tell where to stop cutting.
"Monkey B" (monkeyb)
05/19/2017 at 19:31, STARS: 1
Grind it out, Por15 and take it to Line X and have it coated. You’ll never see it again. Line X is almost structural it’s so strong.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
05/19/2017 at 23:20, STARS: 0
That’s not a bad idea.
"pip bip - choose Corrour" (hhgttg69)
05/20/2017 at 10:42, STARS: 0
check with a GM dealer to see if the side panel is obtainable first.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
05/20/2017 at 11:58, STARS: 0
Well, it’s basically a moot point, because I’m not spending that much money to fix just the worst part of the rust. There are plenty of other superficial rust spots. This truck will never look showroom fresh again.