Missing Front Pan Long bolts

[Krmnnghia]

I am purchasing a car from a fellow Samba member out of state. Flying down to get the car. Through a series of pictures we discovered the 4 front Long pan bolts connecting the pan to the Napoleon Hat are missing. All other bolts appear to be present and it doesn't look like the body has any sag issues. Current owner believes they might be stripped out or can't be inserted. The car is very nice and I am planning on driving it back home(1000+ miles). Thoughts on how to deal with this issue for the drive back and in the future? I mean if there aren't any leaks could I just seal up the holes for the drive? Maybe plan on cutting those sections open at the firewall to get to that dang nut plate?

Thanks

[bugandxbandme]

The car I bought also had these bolts missing, but I did not find out until I was back in Virginia. Drove it from Texas.

[Krmnnghia]

[anthracitedub]

Those bolts thread into a captive plate that is integral to the body.... This area of the body can be very rusty.

It is likely that the thread plates could be rusted/stripped or the original bolts are broken off in there.

If your lucky, the previous guy just left them out.... Not likely, but possible.

[grandpa pete]

[anthracitedub]

Pretty much the very first nook of the heater channel. I'm sure if you look at some pictures of heater channels, you would see these.... Maybe check out Gersons awesome replacement channels.... There's a thread somewhere hat is loaded with pics to help shed light on this topic.