my '92 has rust in the rear fenders and I've found repair panels for it but I've also considered a new pickup box. I will most likely have to pay someone to weld patch panels in so I was wondering which would be the cheapest route?

 

Depends where you live. Up here in rust (salt) country a rust free box costs 1000 to 1500. But if you want to get a rusty box fixed (inner and outer wheel wells) it will cost that much or more to have it done right. And you would still have a patched box.
If you can find a rust free one for less than that you'd be better to go that way. Even if it costs a bit more than a repair you will have a rust free box.

 

I'm in the south so a rust free bed is pretty easy to find. Most I see in decent shape go for around $300 so I'm leaning towards that but just thought I'd get a second opinion. Thanks

 

$300 ? That's kind of a no-brainer. way to go for sure.