Yet another boot panel (and rear wheel wells) rust thread - idiot-proof DIY?

Update... I went to 3 different garages for quotes!

Garage 1: "Sorry mate, our welding machine is broken" (they literally have 'weld' in their name )
Garage 2: "Ah, really sorry, that's too much work and we've got lots going on at the moment"
Garage 3: Same as garage 2, it's a one-man-band shop and really more of an Alfa Romeo specialist so not as miffed

So I'm back at the initial place looking at a bill of ~£3k to get it fixed

For reference, this is to fix up my rear wheel arches on both sides (there's literally nothing for them to weld into - except a big dollop of fibreglass from previous owner which will obviously have to go), put in the fresh OEM boot panel / boot panel crossmember ( www.jimnybits.com/genuine-suzuki-jimny-centre-floor-panel.html , part: #62120-81A04) and also underseal it all. They reckoned about 5 days labour.

And in fairness, they did get it up on the ramp and for about 30 mins their welder had a good proper look, showing me exactly what he'd do, why and what the process will be. They send picture updates at each step too apparently.

Very hefty bill though, thoughts?

Despite my best hopes there's really no chance of me doing this DIY at (my parent's) garage. I don't have the time, skills or tools. At this point I am also just exhausted with the problem and want it fixed. I could scraparoo my jimmer but 1) that's like putting down a pet and 2) I don't think I'd get anything better for scrap value + cost of repair. I got her relatively cheaply so I can't be too upset.

So anyway, I'm feeling bent over the barrel

I guess expensive place will do your car at a set date and work on it as promised and finish at more or less the expected time.
Wich rarely is possible at a cheap place generally speaking.
Also as they did give a quote based on a thorough look, so they most likely will not exceed their given price as much as cheaper places that may both exceed their time estimate and price estimate.

I would use the expensive place if you can afford it.

Thanks for the response @yakuza. I think I'm going to pinch my nose and go with them. The fact is I wouldn't really be able to flog it in its current state if I wanted to, except scrap / spares. So like £500 - £1000?

Not sure exactly but if I take that amount and add the cost of the repair could I get a decent, clean jimmer for that? In Scotland, ech, they're mostly pretty rough. Plus the hassle of selling, buying...

I've got the money so let's just roll with it and see how things go. I will update with pictures in a few weeks when it's all done.

It's the correct call if your Jimny is a keeper.
3K for another is likely to purchase a Jimny with some (if not all) of the issues you have, and a few you are not aware of !
Better the devil you know as they say 
Body work is a pain, most garages don't have the skill or can't be bothered unless it's a quick MOT patch. So it's always going to be expensive as it's time consuming.
keep us updated and look forward to your rust free Jimny.

The state of the rest of the car is a factor of course as scimike says.

Mine has an approved lift, and many expencive mods so I feel I am kind of trapped with the car :dry: cant sell it for a price that would give me any profit compared to the amont of work and parts i have put into it either. Some parts i can remove and sell or keep for the next project.

But all the trips and places I have been and how much fun I am having with it, is just priceless compared to what it cost me in money to do it all.

I try not to buy things but experiences. Well things that give me experiences and fun.

Update! Put the car into the garage on Monday and got some progress pics this morning. Can see the new arches have been fabricated and the old boot fully chopped out, not bad for a day's work. She's also going to be getting undersealed at the same time too.