Forum Discussion

6door74's avatar
6door74
Explorer
Nov 18, 2017

Step 1 complete

Good evening,

Step 1 in the RV lifestyle is complete in that we got our tow vehicle. I plan on going to the RV show at the Farm Complex (PA) which i believe is in February to do more hands on trailer shopping. I've been getting the van in shape so when we make that purchase, we'll be able to get started right away. I've attached some pictures of some rust i have to deal with. I will most likely take it straight to a body shop because i hate messing with rust and because i want it fixed correctly. Any guess on what I'm looking at $$ wise and if it's a "big" job to fix in that area. Should i put anything like rustoleum on it in the meantime?

I'm in Southern MD and I've only dealt with 1 body shop since i've been here. I'm not sure if i should go back to them for this or try to find someone who may be more of a specialist. If anyone here knows of a good place in MD or Northern VA, I would be willing to travel. I'm trying to go back to my guy in NY because I'm sure it won't be an in and out repair.

Thanks in advance!
















Tow Vehicles
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Nov 18, 2017
    Good luck! Once cancer starts its usually a never ending battle, and never cheap.
  • kerrlakeRoo's avatar
    kerrlakeRoo
    Explorer
    Nov 18, 2017
    That looks like a Va inspection sticker and temp plate. Va in most areas does not do emissions testing, hopefully thats not going to bite you in Md.
  • 6door74's avatar
    6door74
    Explorer
    Nov 18, 2017
    no, i'm good there. it's already inspected and registered. I haven't gotten my emissions notice yet.
  • jerem0621's avatar
    jerem0621
    Explorer II
    Nov 18, 2017
    It really depends on how extensive the rust is. If it is rusted all the way through then it will require cutting out the rust and installing replacement panels or patch panels (depending on the size.)

    is your van a V10 or a 460?

    Thanks!

    Jeremiah
  • 6door74's avatar
    6door74
    Explorer
    Nov 18, 2017
    jerem0621 wrote:
    It really depends on how extensive the rust is. If it is rusted all the way through then it will require cutting out the rust and installing replacement panels or patch panels (depending on the size.)

    is your van a V10 or a 460?

    Thanks!

    Jeremiah


    What's in the picture appears to be the extent of it. At least in terms of being contained to that area. I know how rust hides and spreads but that's my guess right now. It's a V10 w/4.10 gears 56k miles
  • jerem0621's avatar
    jerem0621
    Explorer II
    Nov 19, 2017
    6door74 wrote:
    jerem0621 wrote:
    It really depends on how extensive the rust is. If it is rusted all the way through then it will require cutting out the rust and installing replacement panels or patch panels (depending on the size.)

    is your van a V10 or a 460?

    Thanks!

    Jeremiah


    What's in the picture appears to be the extent of it. At least in terms of being contained to that area. I know how rust hides and spreads but that's my guess right now. It's a V10 w/4.10 gears 56k miles


    Sounds like you got a great TV there! Enjoy.

    If you can knock down the rust, add some POR 15 and get some color matched spray paint you may be able to clean that up yourself if it’s not too bad.
  • 6door74's avatar
    6door74
    Explorer
    Nov 19, 2017
    jerem0621 wrote:
    6door74 wrote:
    jerem0621 wrote:
    It really depends on how extensive the rust is. If it is rusted all the way through then it will require cutting out the rust and installing replacement panels or patch panels (depending on the size.)

    is your van a V10 or a 460?

    Thanks!

    Jeremiah


    What's in the picture appears to be the extent of it. At least in terms of being contained to that area. I know how rust hides and spreads but that's my guess right now. It's a V10 w/4.10 gears 56k miles


    Sounds like you got a great TV there! Enjoy.

    If you can knock down the rust, add some POR 15 and get some color matched spray paint you may be able to clean that up yourself if it’s not too bad.


    Thank you. I hope to have it serve many a family excursions with and without a trailer in tow.

    If this as my daily driver i'd be more inclined to fix it myself. however, i don't want to risk doing it wrong for 2 reasons.

    1. i want this van to last for years to come so i'd rather a professional take care of it

    2. if i do it wrong, and the rust gets worse.....i will never hear the end of it (this should actually be #1)

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