Rear quarter repair, should I use tabco part?

[sonofzzzap]

Attached is a picture of my rear quarter panel. I have read various discussions about tabco panels and I was wondering if I would need to use a replacement panel or if this can be fixed in an alternative manner... seeing as I am by no means, a body man, I was asking for general advice on this one...

thanks guys

[Bambikiller240]

Is that rust bubbles or scratches?

[sonofzzzap]

They're scratches where the paint has flipped up.

[jmark]

Check out my gallery pics. I had similar rust damage on the lower part of the panel below the gas door. I bought the Tabco panel and the body shop cut out the bad part and grafted in the new piece. Turned out fine. The Tabco panel only replaces from the bumper down however.

[jmark]

Here is the damage before.

[Bambikiller240]

If they are scratches and the metal underneath is solid, just have the panel repaired and repainted.

Over the internet it is hard to determine the true condition of the metal, so it might be better to have it looked at by a body shop. Most of them will give you a free estimate and they will be in a better position to really know the condition of the metal.

[sonofzzzap]

Could the holes be filled and still look right?

[Bambikiller240]

Holes? I thought you said they were scratches. Big difference. It will depend on the condition of the metal. "Holes" can be welded closed IF the metal surrounding the "hole" is solid. If it is rusted, the rust must be cut out and replaced to effect a repair.

[sonofzzzap]

The lines are scratches, I was refering to the holes on the lower end under the bumper.

[Bambikiller240]

Same answer applies. Have it looked at by a body shop. There is no way to tell the condition of the metal around the holes and under the paint in that picture.

[sonofzzzap]

I appreciate the feedback guys, I will post pics as I get body work done, then I have to worry about returning her to her stock color (306, Sterling Silver)