Originally Posted by Jano_OddKidd
The point is that if you join the panel, where its joined to start with. The chances of it showing when it starts to rust is lower than if you have a panel joined right in sight. i.e on the arch.
There is no diff, it will still rust in the end. But if you have a whole rear replaced you can seal it up better.
Don't really agree with that.....each method could rust at the joint just as quickly it all depneds on access to the rear of the weld to seal it up from air/water ingress. There is no reason why corrosion should ever come back if the repair is done properly!!
I'm assuming everybody is talking about but welding rather than lapping?
Personally I would only repair the area which needs it! No point in replacing good original metal!!