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Fri Jul 04, 2008 4:08 pm

After removing the running board, this is what I found underneath. I am fairly new to V-dubs, and I definitely do not have the ability to fix this the right way (cut out the rot, weld in new sheet metal, etc), so I am trying to figure out the best way to temporarily fill these holes to keep moisture from getting in and making the problem worse.

Everything I can find indicates that the spots need to be sanded down to bare metal. Beyond that, I have read different things.

A friend of mine recommended screwing on a piece of sheet metal, filling the gaps, painting, etc. The problem is that with a little observation, I have concluded that the rot is on a patch. So I am not sure if it's worth patching a patch with sheet metal?

After discovering that it's a patch, I figured I could Bondo it or use some sort of filler until I can have the spot properly repaired by a professional. Unfortunately, I'm not convinced that any filler will hold. These are HOLES not dents, and I can't get BEHIND the holes to prep the area. Also, I'm not sure exactly what the filler would bond to if I am filling a hole.

Someone suggested aluminum tape, but that just seems too ghetto fab. CAn someone help? Like I said, I realize that this is NOT the way to fix the problem, but that is not an option I have right now. I am looking for damage control and any feedback is appreciated.

Thank you!

Fri Jul 04, 2008 4:23 pm

Fiber mesh and POR-15. It cures as hard as metal. The passenger floor on my daughters bug had a hole about 1/2" x 4". I cleaned it up with a wire brush, painted the POR-15, put on the fiber mesh while it was still wet. Then when it was dry, I covered it top and bottom with more POR-15. It's rock solid and waterproof.

Fri Jul 04, 2008 5:38 pm

Cutting out all of the rust and welding in new metal is the correct method to repair the rust. Since you are not in a position to do this now, I'd take this approach.

It looks like they riveted the patch on. I'd drill out the previous owner's rivets and remove this rusted out patch. Running board fastener plates are cheap. I'd clean up the inside of the heater channel as best as possible and paint with a rust inhibitor. If you are unable to weld, you could always rivet the panels on and use panel adhesive to install. Make sure you seam seal it up and then paint it.

This should last you for quite a while and in my opinion is better than patching up a rusty patch panel.

Fri Jul 04, 2008 7:34 pm

It appears to be riveted and also attached at the bottom. It's difficult for me to tell the means used for the lower attachment. Might be welded?

Is body filler out?

Sat Jul 05, 2008 4:43 am

If you can't remove the running board plate, you could grind down the rusty areas and clean them up, then tap in the rust with a hammer, and fill with a filler like Tiger Hair or Duraglas. This will be a temporary repair that will do what you are looking for.