How to fix this tub?

[rcork]

Gents,
I am in the middle of restoring my 83. I know, I really should be writing a full build like so many of you do, and maybe I will someday. I've been taking pictures along the way, many pictures, but sometimes I wish I had just a few more.
Anyway, I've reached to point that I have to decide what to do with the tub. I really want to keep this thing as original as possible, but I guess I'm not totally against buying a new tub, if it's basically perfect.
The question, is this tub worth fixing with new repair panels? Or should I be looking for a new tub? I have most of the tools I would need for doing the repairs, but I'm afraid I would spend at least a year working on it based on what I've seen on these forums. And I've never done body work so it intimidates me.
The black areas are POR 15 from years ago that I painted on to stop the rust that was happening. POR 15 did a really good job.

Thanks,
Robert

 

[barrys]

Wow, so parts of the US that may be considered bad, but feom what I can see on my phone, that tub looks pretty good, at least by North east standards. Fix it

 

[rubclt]

In the photos looks pretty solid. Sand blast, prime and then decide if it meets the goals of your project.

 

[masscj2a]

I think you should sell me your old tub and buy a brand new one. That way you have piece of mind that you have a 100 percent rust free metal and I score a tub, 4 times better then mine. Its a win, win for both of us. Besides, I love doing sheet metal work and you don't. Think about it.

 

[Scramblin Man]

I'll second what rubcit said, looks like a very repairable tub from what I can see. Finding a rust free oem tub is nearly impossible unless you buy a compete vehicle. MD Juan replacement tubs still have their issues from my understanding and are $4000.00 .But if you decide to sell, put me 2nd in line behind masscj2a.

 

[certifiablejeep]

Yeah, but some new replacement panels from ClassicEnt and have at it... my tub was in a lot worse shape and I was able to get all the panels and repair/replace.

cb

 

[rcork]

Thanks Guys,
Your right I need to just quit whining and start drilling spot welds. Masscj2a is right, i don't think I like doing body work because I have never tried. But from everything I read the repo tubs are not that great either.
I'll keep you guys in mind if I decide to sell this one.
Thanks,
Robert