Well today, I finally got a much better look at the undercarriage of my firebird. Most of it is in pretty solid shape, albeit dirty. However, I found a little bit of rust under the drivers side, near the door. I didn't think it looked too bad, but I'm asking more informed third gen enthusiasts for an opinion. Here are some pics..(The pic makes it look a bit bigger than it is, the wedge shaped spot is about 4'' long or so).

I suppose the real question is "Is it rusting from the bottom up? or do I have interior rust beginning to eat it's way to the bottom?". And that I won't know until I get a chance to strip the interior. In either case, do these floor pans look salvageable with some rust removal techniques? or am I gonna have to replace them eventually? How much labor is involved in having them installed? I know one side tends to run about $300 or so for the piece itself. All help appreciated!

 

looks like surface rust, grind it off, seal and paint it, or use POR

 

If you have rust on the bottom it doesn't necessarily mean it will be on the other side too but I would really check the top side as well. It couldn't hurt.

You have a very small and easy piece of rust to deal with. It looks like all you would have to do is sand off the rust down to the metal and primer and paint it. I would use a galvanizing primer and spray it liberally all over. I wouldn't go all the way and remove the floor pans.

Now, if you can see through the rust in the interior then you could just put a patch in. Try giving it a few pokes with a screwdriver and that will tell you if your metal is really thin and needs patching.

 

It looks like the rust started when the car drove over something and dented the floor pan. The paint was cracked or scraped off and the rust started. If thats really what happened your probably in pretty good shape. It doesn't look at all like rust from salted winter roads.

 

Well this is relieving to hear so far. I suppose I shouldn't get too excited until I strip the carpet, but anyways. I thankfully don't have to worry about salted winter roads out here in western WA, just rain

How does the patching process work if it's more than just surface spots? Do I have someone who welds just fill it in with sheet metal or something?

 

Welding patches in is the best way if it comes to that. And I could help with that ... or any other body problem, if your anywhere near Tacoma/Puyallup.
It was a beautiful day in western Wa. today wasn't it!

 

You don't make house calls to Shreveport, LA do you? I ALSO need to replace a Floor.

 

Hmmmmm... I could use a vacation!

 

It sure was! (yesterday now, lol).

I'm damn close to P-town/Tacoma. Federal Way to be more specific.

 

Always willing to help out a fellow third gen owner... and I have years of experience. Let me know if you need anything.

 

What all do ya do? Even if my rust issues are minimal (hopefully, lol), I have much in plan for this car over the longer term.

 

I'm an autobody tech. That pretty much includes a little bit of everything except heavy mechanical. Keep in mind i'm willing to help you work on your project. I have the brains (and the tools) you have the brawn (and the vision) ... kinda thing.

 

You don't say?

Hmm..well, I've got minor bodywork + paint that I'd like to get to at some point on this car when I can afford it. I'd really like to avoid the Macco route if at all possible, lol.

 

Avoiding maaco is a good route to take IMO.
Got any pics of your car? Whats tops on your list of things to do right now? And whats on your dream list? Not the "when I win the lottery" list, but the "lets be realistic" list. Feel free to PM me.