[kennomini]

Where can I get body/rust repair panels for a LWB sierra 1.3L SJ51
I will need both sills and rear floor pan (behind the arches to tail gate).
Also it has rust and dents in the sides around the B pillars back to the arches.

I'm in two minds weather to try and restore it on a cost/effort basis vs what it will be worth when finished (standard equipped 4x4, no mods).

What are the LWB's worth with rego on the road?
Any thoughts or ideas?

[Scrawny]

You should be able to get what you want out of a SWB tub. I have two clean tubs in Brisbane if you're interested.

[bumstein]

Ok this can be a very personal perspective IMO.

Difficult to know exactly what work needs to be done so I can only guess what costs may be involved, it will also depend on the quality of work you are happy with. For example, are you happy with a cheap alternative like checkerplate replacement of your sills? I wouldn't be, but the sill job I had cost squillions. Very good job but cost a heap.

Usually, if your looking at having someone do all or most of the work then the cost will be high. Much higher than the "market value" of the car. I make the point about market value because I'm embarking on a project LWB currently that will indeed cost me more than I can sell it for afterward. But the personal value to me is also higher than the market value so I'm prepared to complete the project.

The more you are able to do, or learn to do, yourself the more cost effective the project may be.

Are you going to sell it after or is the car a keeper? How much money do you have to throw at it? What other things will pop up? Trust me when I say if you have a reasonable level of mechanical love, as you start one thing you will notice other things and want to get them done too this cost (monetary and/or time cost) increases.

Post pics of it, give us details of what exactly you want to do. Chassis up rebuild or tidy up the rust and keep wheeling?

If it's just the rust (which sounds extensive judging by your description) take it to a panel beater or custom guy to get a cost. What's your location?

Again, if any of these jobs is within your ability then it becomes more cost effective.

[kennomini]

I'd be doing the work myself, and I'd also probably keep it but I don't want to spend more than market value, if I do I mose well just buy something already on the road. I'm not a fan of covering things over so no checker plate dodgy job here.
And I'm located on the Sunshine coast QLD.

[Gwagensteve]

Professional repair and paint with clean steel will exceed the value of the vehicle.

[bumstein]

If you or a mate are handy with a welder (mig or preferably tig) then get into it!!

Paintwork can be done on various levels from spray can job (which can look good) to a well done home jobbie..

http://auszookers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=39721

This is my thread, there's pics at the bottom of page 1 of the sill repair I had done. If you can replicate it then go right ahead!! For the B - Pillar (and I assume you mean the top body work that sits underneath the targa bar), then donor body work may be the way to go. Search for a bit that's rust free on a wreck, they can be found!! SWB is a little different behind the seatbelt mount but may be helpful.

[AckerDackerly]

There is a company in Canada that sells aftermarket aluminum (sp?) LWB bodies that bolt right on. They are a bit dear, but you can pretty-much stop worrying about rust.

http://www.Aqualu.com

Also, there are a few aftermarket suppliers of body parts that you can find in a search at Ack's FAQ..

Because Momma often reminded me "If you don't have anything nice to say about someone or something, shut yer piehole", I will only say that - as Bumstein suggested - this will be a labour of love best done by you.

(...said the guy who is restoring an 88.5 WT Tintop with Vitara gearbox/t-case and a 1.9 VW TDI...)

[bumstein]

AckerDackerly wrote:

(...said the guy who is restoring an 88.5 WT Tintop with Vitara gearbox/t-case and a 1.9 VW TDI...)

Respect!! A good project!! Labour of love is how I roll