 Fix Rust: How To Fix Rust Holes On Your Car
Posted by carsandtrucks on Friday, March 13 @ 13:27:18 PDT
So you just came from the repair shop where your vehicle failed State Inspection due to holes in the floorboard. You're first thought might be that it is going to be expensive to repair, or perhaps you should replace the vehicle. Well this is not necessarily so, it all depends on how much of the floor pan is effected. If you are a little handy, this is a job you can do yourself. If you don't feel comfortable taking on the task, there are inexpensive ways to patch the floorboards at a repair shop. The process begins with removing the
seats and carpet so that you can get a clear picture of how big an area you are going to have to patch. Cut out the rusted area with a saws all or similar tool. Thoroughly clean the area around the hole with a grinder or wire brush. Obtain a piece of sheet metal large enough to cover the hole. I have used a number of items for a patch, from road signs, to cutting a piece of sheet metal out of a damaged door panel at a salvage yard. Of course you can always buy new sheet metal from a metal supplier. Use a sealer (roofing tar works) from and auto supply store on the prepped floor pan area. Place your patch over the hole. If you have a welder, then weld the patch in. If you are without the means to weld the patch in place you will need to rivet it in.
Once the floor has been patched from the inside of the automobile you will want to address the area underneath the vehicle. I generally use fiberglass to cover the patch from under the vehicle. Once the fiber glass has cured, I spray the area with rustproof product. Once you are satisfied that the repair will meet State Inspection requirements, reinstall the seats and carpet. Remember this is a repair that is designed to be done on the cheap and to get you by. There are more professional ways to repair the floor pan, up to and including new panels. These types of repairs tend to get pricey however. The more expensive and more professional repairs are generally left to the restoration of a vintage vehicle.
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