I recently changed the connector for my taillights only to discover a massive rust problem.


So the obvious question: does this look salvage-able?

Other questions: Does particular part/area have a name? Are there pre-fabricated replacements for this, or is it one those 'you have to weld your own part'?

 

Well that's a loaded question.... because almost anything automotive is fixable with enough time and money thrown at it.
From what I can see of your pic... if the metal is good outside of that area and the rest of the body is in good condition... I would say take it to a good autobody place you trust that does sheet metal work and ask them.
That way you'd have a professional opinion and a ballpark associated cost for repair as well.

 

Ahh, very smart. I will have to ask around if anyone knows of a good shop around Chicago. Forgive the dumb question - that part is not part of the unibody frame, right? It is just part of the 'body' that's welded to the frame?

 

Correct, if the unibody/frame is strong and the floor pans are in good shape, I'd do as stated and have a couple of shops take a look at it.

 

Worse than that has been repaired. It's all about the $$. And time, of course.

Ask for body shop recommendations (and mechanic recommendations) at your local NAPA, and of course the usual online review sites like Yelp.

If there's a local classic car enthusiast club of any kind (not just Cherokee!) in your area, ask them. They will probably know who does good body restoration work.

 

I would take the fender flares off and see what it looks like from the outside. Then you can decide a course of action from that point

 

^^ agreed... that's why I said what I did prior... AND I think this is an important note... If you care about your XJ.... don't just shop around for price (sure that's always a factor)...but... make sure you're primarily shopping for quality work.
You want this fixed as a "one and done"....not something that is done half-a$$ed and will come back to bite you later down the road where it might not be salvageable.

 

Yes, yes, and yes!