paint repair

[Hydro999]

I have two areas on my 1995 diesel Delica that are large paint chunks avulsed / missing. One right behind the driver's door. The other is on the tailgate. Each is irregularly shaped, but total surface area about the size of a deck of cards. There is rust underneath and the edges are lifting, with rust tracking further underneath. The area on the tailgate involves / crosses two tones (black and silver). The rest of the paint on the vehicle is in good shape, and the vehicle has a lot of life left.

Anyone have any hacks to repair this that don't involve a body shop? I am speculating that the body shop repair, especially in small town BC will probably be $1500.

Thanks

[Hydro999]

OK, I should re-phrase.... can someone describe the steps to repair this oneself? Thx

[deskinthewoods]

I'm no specialist by any stretch but I got a couple of rattle cans, one for each colour, and a can of clear coat, from an automotive paint store (the paint codes will be on that label under the flap in the carpet between the driver's legs).

Sand the areas down to bare metal, anywhere there is rust. Bondo it. Sand it. Prime it. Fill the pin holes with Glazing Spot Putty. Sand. Prime again.

Mask off the area and paint two coats of colour and two coats of Clear Coat. (Don't be too heavy with the coats! Many light coats works better than drips and runs with heavy coats. You can usually recoat in a half hour or so)

The area that spans the two colours will have to be done separately. Let one colour dry completely for a few days. Then you can use automotive masking tape to tape a nice line.

Buff that out after a couple of days with a polishing compound and some wax.

The Bondo, glazing putty and masking tape you can get at Canadian Tire.

The trick is to take your time, prep really well, and, take your time...

Mine looks great from a distance and not too bad from up close.