prep for welded metal patches

[46fordphil]

Kevin, I'm in the process of doing the bodywork on the fenders from my 50 F1 Ford truck. There are a number of areas in which I am removing badly rusted metal and mig welding new sheetmetal patches to repair the missing pieces. My question deals with making sure that I adequately prep both the new metal patches and any 'doubler' material behind the patches. Most of the rusted areas are areas where a second piece of 'bracing' material was behind and obviously nothing was used between the two pieces of metal and over the years, moisture got in and the rust ensued. I have been using a copper spray paint from Eastwood to the patches and using the rust converter to the braces behind. Once welded in place, I generally have no access to the space between the two pieces of metal but plan to seal the backside with a seam sealer. Do you have a general plan you could advise me for these areas? I just want to try to protect these spaces as best as possible. I much enjoy your cornerand advice. It's been very helpful.phil.

[Kevin Tetz]

Phil, it sounds like you're on the right track... here's a suggestion though. Expose as much of that double panel as possible... even if it means cutting into some metal that's not rusty. (within reason...) This is your only opportunity to treat that hidden metal, and you're not that much more invested making a slightly bigger outer patch. Rust converter, followed by seam sealer is good treatment... do your best to fend off the natural patgh of the moisture... seal the top where water and debris will run down and collect.... These old Fords are made of good stuff, with a little help they'll last another 50 years or so...

Thanks for the kind words!

KT.

[46fordphil]

Kevin, Thanks for the advice. I have tried to expose as much of the rusted support metal as possible and used the converteron the rusted metal and the copper weld through on the back of the new patch. Right now tho I am going back and reviewing your videos since it's been a while since I was at this stage of metal prep on my prior truck. Those videos have been great and made a great difference back then. Now I have the additional information of your forum threads which have helped additionally. Thanks for hosting your forum. phil.