here is what i discovered after i removed the carpet in my 88 4runner. what options do i have to fix this?? i can not weld and i don't have anyone around that i know, that would be willing to help me by welding it up. fiberglassing it wont be strong enough i don't think. or would it?
any help is appreciated. happy new year!

click to enlarge photo.

 

thats a bummer man.... you CAN rivet new sheetmetal over the holes.

 

get a rivet gun at your local hardware store....welding is better, but barring that, rivet it there.

 

a rivet will definitely work. you can also use a product called PC-7 (or PC-11, different color) a two part, thick epoxy with filler. we use it on everything from clay to wood to lead. i even fixed a snowboard with it once. strong as can be. runs about 10 bucks at ace hardware. get the two cans, not the stick version. clean up your metal with a wire brush first. it's not like glue, don't clamp it, give it some mass. even if you rivet, it would add strength and water protection.

 

Welding in new metal is the best way to fix it. What do you use your truck for?

BTW: That looks like you have a leaking windshield.

 

where are you located? sure there must be someone on this board near you that can weld!

 

i hope it aint no leaking windshield. my clutch master cylinder leaked brake fluid down into the cab and ate the paint off of the clutch pedal and and that area of the floor board. i had fix that hole once with fiberglass filler. and that lasted me till i found the hole yesterday. i live in kingsport, tn. i got me a piece of 16 ga sheet metal will that work???

 

I'm not sure were Kingsport is but if you really want it welded, drive it down to Atlanta and I will weld it in for you for a minimal price (i.e. wendys/beer).

 

get a grinder, and grind the rust out to start.

You can buy some nice epoxies for metal, and just cut the metal into roughly the right shape, and epoxy it into place.

Just make sure to get the rust all ground out, and painted or it'll come right back

 

I would also use a rust converter on it, prime it with that, then use epoxy based paint and then rivet and epoxy in new sheetmetal floorboards.

 

Get a grinder or sawzall and cut out the rust as much as possible, with out removing any structural parts. You said you are not able to weld or get access toa welder? And you have 16 gauge sheet metal? So clean up any remaing rust, apply a rust convertor. Then bend, bang, hammer, what ever to get your piece of sheetmetal to fit the contour of you floorwell area, so it looks okay and fubctions when the carpet is reinstalled. Then drill holes along the perimeter of the hole throught your patch sheetmetal piece. And install pop rivets in the repair. Then go buy fiberglass reinforcment cloth and resins ( these can be purchased at your local parts store or auto shop). And fiberglass the inside and out side of the repair. This will help to strengthen the repair and keep out the water.