tips on body work the right way!plz

[spaceman]

my 1995 ford f-150 is starting to rust around the cab corners/lower bed.
ive done some bondo in my day, not a ton but some.
i know a couple spots are going to push right thru.
i know i start by getting all the rust off in and out.
whats a good base to begin with, what will last?


i love the truck still, but i cant tolerate it rusting out, and the frame/underside is for the most part good and the truck is straight.

i have to either deal with it before this new england winter or buy new.
id rather not have the payment, so any starters?
pms work too!
thanks in advance1

 

[NutBucket]

Replacement metal patch panel. The only way to really do it right.

 

[exdeath]

Proper body work is more like a sculptors art. There is no right or wrong way or mathematical formula, or a way to teach someone without the talent. You just have to be able to eyeball it and know when its just right and time to stop.

It pisses me off because I'm so logically minded and body work is one of the things I don't have the patience or special touch for. 🙁

Bolting whole pieces in and out I can do no problem, but massaging metal and paint is something else entirely.