The rear body mounts under the tail lights are gone due to rust. I mean there is a hole instead of anything that used to support the body. The two half-moon mounts behind the bumper are all that's left and the passenger side is starting to bend up and is also rusting. I've been playing with the idea of doing a nice looking buggy chop where basically the back door gets welded to the cab behind the seats. I'd put some type of flatbed on the back.

I like the enclosed SUV rear, but I'd love to try my chop idea. So what is your opinion on how to proceed? Which is more of a PITA?

Also, I am no longer able to take it to the inspection mechanic who passes me as long as I've got lights and brakes.

Try the repair, it'll be a lot less work. If the repair fails and you have the chops to make it work, go further. (pun intended).

I agree with repair. Use thicker metal, the repair will outlast you.

Thanks for the replies. I'll try to repair it first. I had a couple of thoughts:
1. In the short term, I'll put some bed spacers in (it's got a 2" lift) and bolt the bed down to them. That'd be a little better.
2. I guess I'll make a new "bra" that form-fits the underside in the rear from the half-moons all the way in to the start of the wheel wells and maybe far enough to pick up the bed spacers / new body mounts.

Does that seem like a good plan?

How about a replacement body from California? I'll even throw the rest of the rolling chassis in, come get it.

Well, Russell has the hook-up,, but I imagine the trip to California might be a bit excessive. Sounds like a plan what you're thinking.

A California road trip for parts puts me in a bit of a catch-22 situation. But I am considering moving to CO...