tdskip said:
I'm thinking drivers side floor, and the passenger side rockers for sure, but do you think the front firewall can be patched?
Believe it or not the rest of the car is solid.
Someone, in the past worked on these areas of the car, and not very well at that. (I like the plumbers tape).
The lower part of the firewall can be repaired with a patch made from some 22 gauge sheet metal. A very simple piece to make (basically just an "L" shaped patch). If you are uncomfortable making your own patch, this part can be purchased allowing you to cutoff just what you need to fix the rusted area.
I would replace both floors. The drivers side is obviously gone, and the passengers front and lower front lip looks rusted through (although most everything can be patched). You need only to decide if a full or partial replacement is in order.
The outer rocker had the forward part replaced. Replacement rocker panels need a lot of hammer and dolly work to fit and look good. If the visible part of the rocker under the door is sound, then you might consider just replacing the forward portion as did the prior owner.
The inner front sill is rusted but looks like it can be easily repaired.
The passenger kick panel has what looks like a pop riveted patch that needs attention, as does a small area in the front.
I use a spot weld drill on parts I want to reuse. Otherwise, an air powered cutoff wheel and grinder is all I have. An air powered nibbler or shear is better, but the wife got tired of seeing the brown delivery truck in front of the house.
Just keep in mind that partial panel replacement is a good technique if done well. In any event, go slow, and do only one panel or fix at a time. Pay a lot of attention to the "A" post or you will have problems aligning your doors. Read all you can on floor and rocker replacement on this and other forums and you should be fine.