Bondo Gone Bad

I’ve been told that Bondo was used when repairing this by a previous owner. I would rather not spend the money to have this panel properly painted but it may be my only option. It is a work truck and does not need to look perfect. Any suggestions?

 

That looks really bad! If it were me I’d probably be searching for a good replacement bed.

 

Agree with above(new bed, or repair), we can't have Tundras driving around looking like that

 

Wow, who worked on it last, Earl Scheib?
The older guys will get the joke

https://youtu.be/_V3RowpnHyo?si=tdpmWyP3SqSBhu-r

 

Yeesh, that doesn't look so great. Looking at the upper portion of the bedside in particular, that bondo was definitely spread too thick and cracked. Honestly, you've only got a couple of options if you want it repaired. As mentioned above, a new bed would fix it, but you are going to be in it a few bucks for the bed and then some more for the labor unless you feel like doing the work yourself. It isn't too hard as long as the bed bolts come out easier than not. But judging by the rusty crusty nature of that bedside, it might be a chore.

Second option is to get it fixed professionally. They may opt to replace the bedside or repair the existing bed. A new bedside requires cutting out the old, stitching in the new, and painting the whole bedside and other parts of the bed. Repairing the existing bed may be a bit of nightmare as it looks like the previous work was pretty shoddy and you don't know what you might find.

If you can find a smoking deal on a new bed, that might be the cheaper option. Else, I think it's going to be sixes and you are going to be out at least a grand or two to fix. But... you might as well get a couple of quotes from some local body shops to give you an idea.

 

I looked at car-part. Com and put in some generic year, etc for a right side TRD stamped bed side. Two came up in CA for $1,205 ea. in “A”condition. May be more cost effective to replace that panel.
The website referenced searches junkyards nationwide.

 

Flat bed

 

Knock off the scaling paint and filler and get some primer that is roughly the same color to cover the bare steel. You don't have any cancerous rust, and you said it was a work truck, so that might be the best bang for your buck.

 

I agree with Badwrench it is a work truck and I don't see any rust perforations.

 

If it needs more attention: replace with sound wrecking yard bed, or as noted, go with a flatbed...whatever suits your application/budget. Might get a registration break with a flatbed...for farm use you know...depending on your location.

 

You’ll have to take it down to bare metal, work the metal, prime, seal and paint. Depending how stretched and creased it is may not be worth the hours and effort. I’d be inclined to replace the panel.

You can replacement panels but that requires drilling out the spot welds and welding. About $550 for the panel alone. Not sure your exact model but here is a part number for 5.5 bed panel right. 658160C080

May want to check local wrecking yards. Who knows you might find one wrecked in front with a decent bed for right price.

good luck and post followup.

 

I hope you knew about that before you bought it.

 

Great responses and thank you for taking the time. I won’t be looking up Earl Scheib’s phone number. Hilarious. I don’t know who did the work originally as it happened prior to 2013 when we bought the truck and the damage wasn’t disclosed or we didn’t dig deep enough when purchasing.

I don’t have the tools or know-how to do this myself but may find someone locally who would be down for the challenge. I’ll let you know what I end up doing. Thanks again!

 

My dad used to carry a small magnet in his pocket when shopping for cars. He used it to find shit repairs like this.

 

Flatbed

 

My first auto mechanic teacher in HS taught us that trick and I still do it today. Just wrap it in cloth so you don’t scratch the paint.

 

https://cosprings.craigslist.org/pts/d/coaldale-tundra-bed/7701783025.html

Price is a touch high but he said he's taking offers.

 

I may or may not have just riveted a panel on top of another panel on a previous car before

 

Thank you for this suggestion and link but I have an 8' bed and don't want to go that route until I have to.