quarter sized rust holes
 

I have 8-9 silver dollar size and smaller holes under the rear seat of 75 g-ville convertible.
The floor is pretty solid otherwise. This is a driver with faded paint, but is otherwise rust free. I just need a solid fix. How it looks doesn't matter at this point but I need to stop any spread.

What is easiest way for an amateur to fix without welding? Should I cut out holes to square shape and patch with 'panel adhesive' and/or rivets ? Aluminum or steel rivets? If I rivet, how can I prevent rust from starting in the future around the rivets? Should I use aluminum or steel as patch material?

Or maybe I should just fiberglass over the holes? I really can't afford to replace floor pan even if I could find one in better shape. I have seen a 'flange tool' on Summit . Is it necessary to make a flange in an area that won't be seen?

I plan to strip, 'ospho' and prime and undercoat all areas top and bottom of floor where there is some surface rust. Time and labor I have, money is extremely tight. I don't think I can make things any worse so I'm not afraid to get in there and cut out what rust there is.

One more maybe dumb question- I plan on jacking up one side of the car to get under. About how much higher can I safely raise just one side of the car while the tires are still on the ground on the other side?

Thanks in advance.

I'd recommend getting some panel adhesive and "gluing" your your patches in. It is a little expensive but it works great & will seal the patch also.

Good Luck
Murf

I second the panel bonding some patches in. Cut out the rust until you get to good metal. Panel bonding adhesive is indeed pricey, especially if you don't have the special applicator gun. Some paint and body stores offer a gun rental where they sell you the glue and applicator gun and when you bring the applicator gun back clean and functional they credit your credit card back the cost of the gun. Fusor product is good, 3m makes a good product, i've heard good about Valvoline Pliogrip and many more. Most have technical videos you can view on their websites or on YouTube. Follow the manufacturer's product data sheets and you will be happy with the results. Irgoatmike

I've also heard good things about the POR-15 patch kits. It uses fiberglass which you impregnate with a thick slurry of the POR-15 product.
http://www.por15.com/FLOOR-PAN-TRUNK...uctinfo/FPTRK/

The POR-15 kit looks great. Maybe next time. I can get the panel adhesive for about $30 for the amount i need, and have all the rust removers, preventers, sealers.

I plan on using just the adhesive for the smaller holes. I think I will need to rivet one patch in place because it is on a curve, and a little bigger.

Thanks for all the advice.

the panel bonding is the way to go i have used it for rust repair on daily drivers and it holds up great. a customers car i did rust repair on was 2+years old and sombody hit her the same fender so i had to replace it that time but repair was in great shape