Repair Lane

Rust Repair

Cutting out rusted metal, welding in fresh steel, and sealing and refinishing the area so the corrosion doesn't come back.

Quote requiredDifficulty: hard~310 hrs2–4 days
Typical range — final quote required
$405–2,250
Parts$60–500
Labor$345–1,750
Labor time310 hrs
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What's involved

What this repair actually is.

Surface rust can be sanded and refinished, but bubbling or perforated rust must be cut out completely — grinding it down only hides it for a season. We cut back to clean metal, weld in patch panels, treat and seal the backside, then prime and paint. NYC road salt makes this the Bronx's most common body repair.

Symptoms

How you can tell.

  • Paint bubbling along rocker panels, wheel arches, or door bottoms
  • Brown staining bleeding through the paint
  • Holes you can see through in the body or floor
  • Crunchy or flaking metal at the bottom of the doors
  • Failed inspection due to rusted structure
If you delay

Rust only accelerates — a bubble this winter is a hole next winter, and once it reaches structural areas like rockers or frame rails the repair cost multiplies.

Educational estimate. Real pricing depends on your vehicle, the inspection, parts availability, taxes, and shop rates. Use this as a guide while you shop quotes.
Related

Often done together.