Need bodywork help in the bed

I've got a rust spot about the size of a dollar bill in the bed of my truck. I want to get Line - x put in but not over top of the rust obviously.

I've called everywhere and talked to people about getting the hole (about the size of a quarter, overall the rust is about the size of a dollar bill) cut out and patched before a liner is sprayed in. NO one will do it unless the bed's off the truck, which is driving me crazy. Then I got to thinking. I could cut the hole out myself and then just simply JB weld a replacement piece of metal there. I don't need it to look pretty, just want it to be patched. I'm not hauling cinder blocks or anything ridiculous either.

Anyone with any input on whether this might be a good idea or not?

Thanks!
D.

2003 tacoma sr5 v6 trd.

 

I had a hole about that same size near my wheelwell. I cut it out with a dremel and welded in a patch. It looks like crap but its solid and can't be seen under the bed liner.

 

Do you think I should keep searching for a welder or would something like jb weld suffice you think?

 

If there is a hole in the bed, you'll need to patch it.

 

I cant believe they wont weld it on the truck xD my guy will but I'm buying a whole bed for 100$ this weekend to replace about 3'x2' hole xD anyways it depends on where it is if its in the ridges of the bed you can weld a flat piece in if you dont mind it looking odd. I was going to do that but OCD.. JB weld is strong and as long as you line-x the bottom of the bed and the top it shouldnt rust for a loooooong time. I imagine anyways lol

 

That's the plans. Regardless I'm cutting the rot out. I just think with how strong that line x is I think it would hold down the patch. Idc if it matches the ridges of the bed at all. I just want the line x

 

Did it come with a tailgate? I am looking for one.

 

no you cant jbweld a patch on there LOL

but you can glue one...you will need a panel bond you get it from a local paint store or from somewhere like www.abtm.com

 

You could easily rivet a patch in.

 

I came in here thinking about a totally different subject.

 

Uh I dont think so he offered it but I think he wants like 75$ he may end just throwing it in though just because ad has been up forever lol

+1 to your awesome points

 

There are no collision repair shops in your area? Shouldn't be a problem for in-situ welding for them (no other choice if they had to work on unibodies).

 

Only place I've found quoted $1000 because they "legally have to paint match" and crap.

 

Rivet on a patch. Seam seal it. Line-x over it. /story.

Even if you don't have a rivet gun costs of one, rivets, and seam sealer should be $50 max.

Prob won't even see it because of the texture if you do a good job.

 

Any seam sealer you recommend??

 

Is the hole near the gas tank? That may be why they won't weld unless the bed is off.

 

Any automotive paint shop should have seam sealer on their shelf. It will probably be in a caulking tube. Do you have a caulking gun?

X2 on riveting it down. I would go so far as to drill my holes in both the patch and the bed, then before riveting it down, lay a bead of seam sealer underneath the patch then rivet it, then lay another bead of seam sealer around the edges of the patch. That way if some water or anything else won't creep between the bed and the patch and work its way into the line-x, causing it to peel up. Comprende' amigo?

 

I like your guys' thinking. Thanks for the input. I have a rivet gun as well as caulking gun.

 

i would panel bond(since youre not welding) it it will be sealed up tight and its not coming apart again and will have superior corrosion resistance. but hey what do i know i only do collision repair for a living