Welding 101 needed.

Heres my need.

I have a pontiac Montana van 1999.

at the side rails where you'd normally but the back lift arm its rusting all to hell. I have to attack the rusties this summer. (its mostly body at this point not the frame of supporting system.. cosmetic)

I don't diddley about welding.

I know there is a lot of skill required but I need to start somewhere and I'm guessing the equipment would be a good place as any.

So over the next few months I want to do some body work on that part of the van and I imagine the exhaust.

What equipment should I be looking at to do this kind of work.

Thanks

The rust was right through the metal.
Its the back of the rocker panel near the wheel well.
Its was (to my knowledge) the rear lift point on the vehicle.
Don't know why its rusted so bad.

I've purchased a gas mig to do the job.

I totally procrastonated and haven't done it. Will start as soon as the temps warm up closer to spring.

I started another thread on the job somewhere on this board and another member here had been working out the same thing.

I am a little fuzzy on the appropriate cutting / grinding tools. I don't have any air tools and I'm going to have to cut back some of the area to rebuild.

I had a hard time finding rocker panels for a 99 montana.. but eventially did locally.