Well I got the job done. $550 later the guys I took it too, cut out all the metal with rust on it, put in new sheet metal and welded those suckers on. Took two guys had to do it because they did not want to drop the gas tank in order to save time so they had one guy guide the other has he did the welds as not to blow up the car and themselves in the process.
I'm happy now, this little rig has been my best friend since 1993 and I really don't want to see it go just yet...even though I now own a kick ass 2002 XL-7...it doesn't touch my Sidekick in sentimental value.
I'll take some pics of the job tomorrow at work so you guys can see before I put the mats and carpeting all back.