[bmw5002]

My rear lower quarter panels are rusted out on either side. The rust isnt terrible, but there are a couple half-dollar sized openings. Is there a way to do this in my garage without welding a patch panel? I am a confident wrench and have done some of my own body work involving bondo, sanding, painting and buffing. The word welding scares me because I dont have a welder and it seems really hard to learn how to weld. They sell these metal mesh screens that you can stick behind a small hole so the bondo will have a surface to stick to. But in the position these holes are in, they are at the very bottom of the q-panel, and the mesh would be a tough/ghettoized fit. They also sell fiberglass cloth in my local strauss auto, the instructions only say to use it with fiberglass resin. I don't know if you can repair metal or just existing fiberglass with it. I have the long strand fiberglass bondo used for larger than normal openings and heavy duty filling. So is there a way to get that fiberglass cloth to cover the holes from the inside then bondo the outside or should I just say **** it and get a $22 patch panel welded in. Lol... seems liek the patch panel is the best way to go.

[Blade10]

You can repair the holes with screen/bondo and/or fiberglass - but it wont last near as long as welding in new metal. If your going to go through the trouble, you might as well do it right unless you are looking to sell the car...

Blade

[5.0 in a 66]

Originally Posted by Blade10

If your going to go through the trouble, you might as well do it right unless you are looking to sell the car...

Blade

I agree, this is why I learned to weld. I'm about as coordinated as a drunk (hey, i got medical problems, bite me ). Managed to teach myself in 2 days

[mot250]

Welding will give better long term repair but EASTWOOD has a panel adhesive repair kit that can be just as good if you do everything including flanging the existing sheetmetal, counter sinking the rivet holes, etc. I've used it with sucess on my 69 Torino but I have turned to welding for my 66 Mustang.

My advice, if you need to fix it right now, try the EASTWOOD kit with adhesive.

If you have the time (it really doesn't take too much as long as you are not doing major structural repairs) to teach yourself how to weld and the $ to invest in welding equipment, go with welding. You will be amazed at how many other projects the welding will come in handdy for. I have also fixed some garden tools while practicing my welding skills.