I am assuming flares make the most sense

[flyin-lowe]

Last year I bought my 16 year old an 04 Ranger. It looks really good for the age and was well taken care of. The only visible rust is on the rear driver side fender. Being a teenagers first vehicle I don't really want to dump the money involved in a bedside replacement, or whatever else it would take to do it right. I know zero about body work but assume the best option is to have the rust ground out, some type of rust proofing paint (or whatever) and then some fender flares to cover. I think a smaller low profile pair would look better on this truck than the bulkier ones with the visible bolts etc. Any other thoughts or advice? Below is a pic of the rust area as well as an overall view of the truck showing the color etc.

 

[Blmpkn]

That big crack almost looks like bondo starting to give up the ghost.. go out with a magnet and see if & where it sticks to the arch area

 

[bobbywalter]

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[flyin-lowe]

I thought this style looked decent, not same color truck but should have the same end result.

1993-2011 Ford Ranger OE Style Fender Flare - Front/Rear Kit

Fitments 1993-2011 Ford Ranger Adds up to 0.75 in. of tire coverage from debris Installs easily with no drilling required OEM matte black finish is easy to paint 100% UV protected Dura-Flex® 2000 - no chalking Made in the USA with a Limited Lifetime Warranty Front Flare Tire Coverage: 0.75 in...

streetdirttrack.com

 

[flyin-lowe]

I ended up getting some flares. Local vocational school cut the rust out sprayed the inner fenders and put them on. Hopefully it slows things down a little. I know rust is an issue, especially in the midwest with snow and salt etc.

 

[rumblecloud]

That's a great first ride.
Mine was a 55 chevy 3 on the column that the horn beeped whenever I shifted up into 2nd.

 

[mikkelstuff]

Great truck! Looks like my'02 Ranger. The 04' came with larger diameter front rotors which I swapped into my '02 - a big job since the steering knuckles have to be swapped as well.

Add nerf bars when you get a chance and a few extra bucks.

 

[Lefty]

Last year I bought my 16 year old an 04 Ranger. It looks really good for the age and was well taken care of. The only visible rust is on the rear driver side fender. Being a teenagers first vehicle I don't really want to dump the money involved in a bedside replacement, or whatever else it would take to do it right. I know zero about body work but assume the best option is to have the rust ground out, some type of rust proofing paint (or whatever) and then some fender flares to cover. I think a smaller low profile pair would look better on this truck than the bulkier ones with the visible bolts etc. Any other thoughts or advice? Below is a pic of the rust area as well as an overall view of the truck showing the color etc.

Makes plenty of sense. I liked the stock flares. I found a decent set in the junk yard and painted them to match the body work.