Technical Floor pans

[JonPiz]

The outer parts of the floor pans have a small amount of rust. Is it simpler to patch these or just replace the whole floor pans. How hard is doing the latter?

 

[fiat500]

The outer parts of the floor pans have a small amount of rust. Is it simpler to patch these or just replace the whole floor pans. How hard is doing the latter?

Replacing the floorpans can be done one side at a time and is relatively straightforward in comparison with some cars. It's now possible to replace the entire floor as one piece by adapting the one available for the 126. But when the outside of the floor is rotten it's very likely that there is corrosion to the inner sills, jacking points and then possibly to the outer sills and lower wheelarches.

I've replaced the floors in three 500s and I prefer it to patching, but after fifteen years with my current car, rust returned and I was back to the same decision as you. This time I'm letting in metal, mainly at the edges. That takes a lot more skill and patience and takes longer.

A professional would look at the extent of the rust and advise you what to do. Unless done by a specialist restorer I would be a bit wary of the quality of repairs by either approach.

If you're doing it yourself, having first removed the seats and carpets, I would ruthlessly scrape and hammer at all dodgy areas and make an assessment. It's likely that you will quickly be in no doubt of the best course of action.