Rust Hole Under the Gas Pedal

[spederman85]

I have a 1980 Spider that has a rust hole in the front right corner behind the gas pedal. I understand that this is common place for rust to wear through.

Does anyone have any good ideas for the best way to fix this?

I currently have a Spagettios can cut and shaped to cover the hole. I bought some galvanized sheet metal to use on the floor boards, which are in good shape. I was going to bend this sheet metal to the shape of the corner and either screw it in the floor or rivet it in. I do have welding equipment.

For the under side, I was thinking of either body fill or fiber glass.

I have not started this and thought I would see if other has a better solution.

I appreciate your ideas.

Thanks

[azygoustoyou]

I don't know if I would use Galvanized.I would think you would have a harder time getting it to weld to the Fiat. I would weld in new metal. I just did the two areas behind the front wheels. Unless you have a stretcher/shrinker tool. If it's rusted on the corners, you'll want to use more than one piece to patch it. Use some paper to trace the size of each area to get a template. Cut it out and trace onto the metal. If you can get some poster board or something a little thicker than paper. It will be easier.
Be careful when you weld the metal in. If you have any gap in the metal, it will melt the Fiat metal and you'll have a bigger hole. You'll also want to clean the metal really good. And only do spot welding. Using a magnet to help hold your piece in place is handy. Hope I helped.

[racydave]

Not a problem for an experienced welder and the correct equipment!

[pope]

Those arent rust holes...they are fresh air vents.

[spederman85]

Thanks for the tips.

As I do not have welding equipment, I am now thinking of possibly using fiberglass with cloth. The only concern I have with that solution is how well it will adhere to the metal.

Anyone have thoughts on that?

I will miss the cool breeze flowing through my feet though!

Thanks

[racydave]

Duraglas is a resin with fiberglass in it. Use the short strand. Id put it over the metal patchwork and pop rivets would be sufficient. A good cleaning to shiney metal would suffice. And its much more water resistant than body fillers! You might also find and repair the source of the water leak.

[wengr]

Those arent rust holes...they are fresh air vents.

I thought it was the automatic empty bottle\can disposal system.