I have an '81 Jimmy and of course it has rust spots. Some are bubbled up under the paint and others actually made holes in the metal. Does anyone know how I can go about getting this rust removed?? Also I have rust on the inside of the door where the seals would be.

 

Pics would help, but I'd sand them down and spray on some rust converter, and then repaint if their not that bad of condition. That's if its surface rust only. As for where there are holes in the metal, cut it out and replace the metal or replace the panel all together.

 

bigkhans said it perfect. grind it down, spray on some rust converter for the bubbled paint rust, for the holes, cut, and weld in some new sheet.
Never use bondo for holes, you will just be wasting your time.

 

About how much do you think it would cost to have a shop do it for me??

 

Shop around and get lots of estimates. Go to the most expensive shops and then to some of the cheaper shops. Also don't over look the tech schools you might find a decent deal there as well.

 

I would check tech schools. Sometimes they will do the labor for free or super cheap so the students have something to learn on (yes, seems scary that they learn on it, but its with supervision of the instructor)

 

Figure at least two hours to cut, and patch a hole the size of a quarter at minimum. Almost always the rust extends twice the size of the hole, and most shops will start at $40 an hour on the low end, up to $90 an hour. Whatever you do just don't think you can primer, fiberglass, foam, or bondo the rust. It will get worse, and you won't know about it because you've covered it up. I bought a 79 blazer, from a guy that did the bondo, and paint trick on the floor. I knew the floor had a few bad areas but let it go for a few years, and when I decided to go in and do my patch work, I ended up cutting out the entire floor, and rebuilding my own with raw sheet metal, including all the braces. It has taken me at least 100 hours so far, and it wasn't fun. Fix it right, or it's best to leave it for now.
I will be putting up a build thread for the floor in a few days for all those interested.

 

When it comes to doors and hatches and tailgates rusted out where the lower lip / inner door / trim seal / stamping come togehter.. dont waste your time and money. Get new.. or at least better. Anything you do to them will rust out again in a year or two.

Even if they dont see another teaspoon of salt. Been there!

 

Good advise from everyone. I'm looking forward to defiant custom's build thread.