Rear Quarter Panel Rust?

[Kingkong0192]

I was about to pull out the cut off wheel and cut this entire section out and weld up a new piece, but before i dive right in i'd like some opinions.

I've seen some people cut and fold this entire section. Would this be beneficial and somewhat get rid of my problem, or would i still need to weld in a new portion of the panel?

What are the advantages of doing the tuck n' fold here? Does it look good or does it look terrible? Any pictures? Any advice on how to go about fixing this?

Oh, and a noob question. I do not have bumpstops. I do not understand them. I think they're meant to prevent your axle from flexting too much into the fenderwell, correct? How do you make bumpstops and what are they?

Here's some pictures of the rust;

 

[jeepingben]

Mine looked about like that. I made a box from sheet metal and riveted it in:

The extra bit of rod let me put the plastic trim piece back.

Good luck

 

[xpedition xj-eh!]

While the cut and fold trick will get rid of 2/3 of your rust, it won't get rid of it all. Your rust goes higher than the cut and fold normally goes. So, either way you are going to be replacing sheet metal.

As far as appearance goes, that is of course a matter of personal preference. I've done it and I think it looks cool. I think part of how it looks has to do with what kind of rear bumper you're running. I haven't seen anyone do the cut and fold only to slap the OEM bumper and plastic corners back on so I have no idea how that'd look.

 

[xpedition xj-eh!]

A couple things I just found in my eternally growing ending pile of bookmarks. They might give you some ideas.

http://raybuck.com/i-67439-1984-01-jeep-cherokee-xj-lower-rear-quarter-panel-passenger-side.html

http://www.rustysoffroad.com/rustys-side-guards-xj-rear-quarter-panel-guards.html

http://www.rocklizardfabrications.com/gila_monster_armor.htm