So Im new to this, so just bare with me guys. Got a 97' that is slowly rusting out. And im gonna try to finsh the bodywork and paint it before winter settles in for good! But for a start, i know im gonna have to get new cab corners,rocker panels,fenders and maybe doors. But some of the stuff im useing is 3m bondo body filler with the hardner, also useing the 3m acryl-blue glazing putty. To get off the old finish, im useing rust-oleum aircraft remover. Some of the tools im useing are a jigger bug, a sanding block, a 7 piece hammer kit, and also have some speaders thats spread the bondo and etc. Thats about it for now. Here is my procedure for doing bodywork. pick a patch that needs to be done. Start takeing the hammers and dollys to flatten it out. From there i put on some of the aircraft remover (usually put on 2 coats to take it down to the primer or bare metal) clean it up, get all the remover off and any extra debrie (spelling) mix up some bondo and lay a smooth area. I usually go about 1/2 inch extra just in case. When that gets hard. I break out the jigger bug and start goin to town. When i start getting closer i use the block sander. Then decide if i did a good job or i need to lay some more bondo. But here is some pics of the truck and see what im workin with.

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Looks just like mine did about the exact same I too replace both rear wheel arches both front fender both rocker panels and both cab corners a lot of work but just take it slow measure measure measure. One of the most important pointers I was given was to never paint and or body fill over rust, most of mine started from the inside out and it will continue to rust. I recommend this site for help they are real helpful guys and will tell you like it is. It may be for hotrods but body work is body work. Body - Exterior - Hotrodders Bulletin Board

As for tips
1. The longer the sanding block the straighter the panel will be.
2. I find Bondo hard to work with I like Evercoat products such as Rage Extreme or Rage Gold but to each his own they are pricey but I think it is easier to sand and saves on paper.
3. Try to cover bare metal as quick as possible rust starts on a microscopic level
4. If your welding your panels in make sure you spot weld so you dont build up too much heat and warp the panel.

I'm no pro but these are things I have found from tackling my own rusted mess.

 

If you are letting the bondo get wet by it staying outside, its basically junk. Also, do not put any filler over rust.. Get you a little die grinder, grind the area of the dent, 80 grit on a DA over what you just grinded, hammer/dolly the area, filler/sand until smooth with about 180 grit, glaze putty/sand with 320, primer, block out with 320 dry or 400 wet, reprime and block, and ready for paint.

Filler I would recommend is this
Evercoat

glaze/finishing putty I would recommend is this
USC Icing Polyester Finishing Putty