Hi group. Need your knowledge and experience. My intermediate sail panels are completely rusted out from the "drip rail" (the straight piece of sheet metal at the top of the fender) down to the bottom. I've found a couple of sound replacements and my question is: should I replace the whole thing - which looks as though it could be a real pain - or just the affected part? If I replace the affected part only, what would you all recommend; a lap joint or butt joint? (I think that this query should be in the Restoration section but it wouldn't work for me!)

If you don't replace the whole thing, you have left rust in there. To be proper, butt weld where it is flush, and lap weld where it was originally lapped and spotted. Half assed now means a bite in the ass later