Body Rot

[Jehu]

A couple of weeks ago i found what I'd call serious rot.Under the door sill, is that the rocker panel? On each side there are what i assume are drain plugs. The plug is missing from the passenger side and the surrounding metal is badly corroded since there is carpet immediately above the opening so when i drive in the rain and the carpet absorbs water it feeds rusting.I don't know if i need to have body shop refit that whole section or if i can get away with wire brushing away the rusted metal, applying a rust inhibitor then maybe JB welding a piece of sheet metal over the opening and blasting the whole area with spray on rubber sealant. What would you do?

[Gayle]

I would try your plan before going the body shop route.

[KenB]

I agree, the DIY route on an area that is not plainly visible and doesn't need finished paintwork soumds like a good plan.

Would probably save a hella lotta $$$ over taking it to body shop.

[zhandax]

I have a similar issue with the lower panel in front of the front dooor from a car which came from Boston. Can I shoot Naval Jelly (or phosphoric acid) in the void to stop this beast from taking hold? What is recommended?

[Jehu]

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/7038/rust001we3.th.jpg (http://img223.imageshack.us/my.php?image=rust001we3.jpg)

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/5492/rust008rx7.th.jpg (http://img223.imageshack.us/my.php?image=rust008rx7.jpg)

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/3713/rust002wk6.th.jpg (http://img179.imageshack.us/my.php?image=rust002wk6.jpg)

Some of ya'll may want to take a gander under your body to make sure these plugs are still seated properly and you aren't cancer ridden like this...