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Pinch welds almost gone, how to fix?
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sleap
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Aug 2, 2015, 7:06 AM
Post #1 of 7
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Pinch welds almost gone, how to fix?
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98 Dodge Dakota ext cab. Haven't purchased yet, looking at tomorrow. If frame is good, price is very good. But from the pics I've gotten, the pinch welds where floor pan and rockers are about gone in some places. I'm not concerned if I can fix myself, just wondering if it can be fixed at all and about how much work it will entail. It's only going to be a second vehicle and kinda a beater possibly, but still want it to last a while if possible.
Please help?? Thanks!!!
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 2, 2015, 8:41 AM
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Re: Pinch welds almost gone, how to fix?
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Eeek! Spot welds about gone at rocker panels and floor pan! Not a good sign. I would only consider it with the estimated extent f problem of a body shop on the right fix and using Chinese partial parts if that would do at all.
Rust at some point is the end of the game for vehicles, costs out of control then when not safe unusable,
T
(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on Aug 2, 2015, 8:43 AM)
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 2, 2015, 8:50 AM
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Re: Pinch welds almost gone, how to fix?
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I suggest you drive it over to your mechanic or even a body shop before you buy it. Just see if your getting into something that is over your head and/or will burn a hole in your wallet.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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sleap
New User
Aug 2, 2015, 9:41 AM
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Re: Pinch welds almost gone, how to fix?
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Here's a pic of one side. I can get the truck for $1300 tops, maybe as low as $1000. If this could be fixed(even without paint) for $500 or less I think I'd still be interested. Thoughts?
(This post was edited by sleap on Aug 2, 2015, 9:43 AM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 2, 2015, 10:13 AM
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Re: Pinch welds almost gone, how to fix?
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That show the rocker panel not the welds mentioned. Many can do that and stay strong for a while either faking it with a severe bondo job, the cover over whole rocker Chinese things I mentioned or the real repair is weld OUT the old and in a whole new but it's just that. You mentioned the pan also involved. We've both suggested you have it looked at.
It's better with just that pic than many I see running around. Lower doors will be total holes within a year and can do the Chinese lower panels on those too then or now.
Is it worth it? IDK - What is the whole thing as a whole like. Good engine, trans - other features? It's worth a bit just for it's weight and parts just you should know how much to make it at least safe to use.
Not heavily enforced in my exact state but some will pull a vehicle off the road on the spot with "rust thru" holes showing. Inspection is void till fixed so a real pest as you have little time. Not enforced much as said but is in close by states for their own not other state's vehicles.
1/2 hour of pro looking at this in person would be totally worth it,
T
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sleap
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Aug 2, 2015, 10:43 AM
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Re: Pinch welds almost gone, how to fix?
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My apologies if I'm referring to something wrong. I can see the holes in the rocker panels, not overly worried about that as like you said can patch with Chinese, etc. I'm referring to the part that is sticking down approximately an inch from under the rocker panels. At least part of it appears to be completely gone.
If its possible to replace or fix, I think I'd be ok with it.
I'd love to get to a body shop but not sure how that can happen as the truck is located about 1.5 hours from me. The owner may meet me approximately half way tomorrow for me to see and if there's a shop nearby I guess I could try to arrange them to take at least a quick look.
Thanks again!!
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 2, 2015, 11:59 AM
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Re: Pinch welds almost gone, how to fix?
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It would just be great to see how invasive rust is in general on this. Stuff that really suks is all the brake, fuel, evaporative emission control lines can also go just as easy. Gas tank up to supports for the body - just get's out of control expensive if not parts time - lots of it and you still don't really win long term.
OK - done up a mess up happened to be an S-10 Chev. I don't recall the site but get into truck body parts searching and you'll find many.
The make part panels when OE was the whole part but many only do common rust in certain spots and can buy just that section not a whole door or skin just the bottom and so on - trucks especially sell this going back decades worth pretty cheap. For rocker those are real labor intensive and mostly just look like crap. The replacement would go totally over that one - nice if you cut out all the junk, hose it out, clear drains then even pop rivet or have the part spot welded in place.
This is lower grade metal than new OE stuff but fits right and pennies in comparison.
Frame issues are another issue of their own. You (I don't have this stuff) the right welder who has all the right stuff for metal fab parts needed so it doesn't plain fall to the ground or lose a wheel crap.
This is fine an otherwise real good mechanical truck not really ever to be a looker but get good use out of it.
What stinks is the distance now mentioned and setting up just getting this up overhead to really check out.
It's either a bargain or waste of time and really can't known without a hard look.
Just hate to see you pay more than it's scrap value without knowing more to find out it has fatal rust issues cost wise,
T
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