Nuts. I just recently found about a 1" x 1/2" rust blister forming right across the line of the dimpled rocker panel paint and the gloss body paint above. Has anyone had body work to this area with good results?

I worry because not only would the shop have to match the texture of the rocker panel's dimples, but I have that weird anthracite black paint with the multi-colored speckles in it. Just trying to have a shop match the paint alone has scared me since I bought the car.

Thanks guys.

 

Scardini1,
There is a company in England the makes a replacement sill panel. It extends from the rear wheel opening to the original seam with front part of the sill. Here is the link:
http://www.xk8-parts.com/index.php/2...-half-of-sill/

I bought one to replace a rusty drivers side sill. The shop told me it fit with very little tweaking, and they were able to faithfully duplicate the stone protection dimples as well as my BRG paint. The finished job cost under $500.00 and even under close inspection the repair is not visible. Needless to say I'm delighted with the finished job.
Regards,

 

Thanks WB. Holy Smoke - replace the whole sill? How bad was your rust? Mine hasn't breached the paint yet. It's just a small blister. However, I see your point: replacing the sill gives the shop the ability to apply a uniform dimpling to the entire area. Unfortunately I just realized that my blister is on the lower edge of the rear fender, just behind the door; not on the replaceable sill. Bummer. :-(

 

Look at the link I gave you. The repair panel is only about 15-18" long.
If you look under your car, you'll see a seam just about level with rear of your door opening, that is where the new repair panel will meet the original sill, so no outward evidence that any repair was ever done.
Regards,

 

You're right. That's right about where the spot is. After I have a shop take a peak at it next spring I'll know whether I'll need that panel.

Good find! Thanks WB.

 

If it isn't that bad, as in a perforation, I would order some primer, touch-up paint, and clear from Automotivetouchup.com, and treat the area with rust converter a few times prior to the painting. That area is low enough where there should not be a lot of contrast, especially with the black. There is no way a shop is going to match the pattern of the chip guard. I have treated rust spots on my car this way, with good results. The clear wet sands nicely, and buffs up well....my 2 cents.....Mike

 

Thanks Mrplow. As small as it is, I can't mess it up too badly. I'll probably go that route. My fear is that, as we've all experienced, the rust contamination spreads far out from blister. I won't know until I start chipping away.

TWO Ducatis?! You're a true masochist. I fell in love with the Paso back in the eighties and test rode a 906 a few years later. I've been condemned to lust after Ducatis ever since! - lol

BTW: Let me know if you're ever in the market (after a lobotomy no doubt) to add a 5-Speed Convertible Triumph GT6 Resto-mod to your collection. Everything has a price you price, ya know. ;-)
Enjoy!

 

Lusting after Ducatis is what us Italian boys were born to do. Who's favorite color isn't really RED?........Mike

 

So true........ So sad. Only "half" of all the cars I've owned have been Red - lol.