He so I have two 2X4" holes in the floor on my truck. I know the right way is to have a metal patch welded in. I don't have the time or skill to do welding so how much would a bodyshop charge for this? If it's a fortune, I'll leave it but I would like the peace of mind with winter

 

Yes the proper way is to weld it in. Some pics of what you have to fix would be helpful. In the meantime, do you have anybody you know with a welder that would work for some beer? If not, then the next cheapest is going to be a shop doing it, with you doing the prepwork for it. If you can pull the seat, carpet, etc... anything that is in the way, it will save you the $$$ of them doing it all. Keep in mind that the money is still going to depend on where the holes are. If they are simple welds, it shouldnt be too bad. If its going to involve bending and shaping the patch, the $$ is going to increase.

Not counting interior removal, I had maybe 2 - 2,5 hrs in the floor repair on mine. That was fixing a hole like this



and included cutting out the hole, then welding and shaping the patch in, to get this



On the right rear cab corner, I outsourced that to be welded in due to time constraints. I had the interior pulled, the initial cut out done, and provided the patch. Cost was just under $300 and included final trim of the hole, trim fit the patch, weld in the patch, coat with seam sealer, rough shape with filler to 120grit, and prime the area. All in all, about 3 hrs work plus materials (mud, sealer, primer, etc)

This is what I gave them



This is what I got back



Another, probably cheaper than a body shop, option is a welding/fab shop. If you can pull the interior as needed and its a fairly simple patch, you will probably get a better price from them, if all they have to do is roll a mig out the door and buzz it in real quick.

The third option is fiberglass. Depending on the size of the hole, you may or may not need to add metal. Small, just cut the rust out, get a fiberglass kit, and lay some strips in, if its larger, you can pop-rivet a patch in and fiberglass over it. Just be sure whichever way you go, to seal it all in good so the rust doesn't come back.

 

Another option you would have that anyone could really do is glue it. Go to a autobody store and buy a 3m panel bond kit. Just cut your patch a little larger than the hole, clean around the area so bare metal is showing apply gule to the patch and apply to the floor. The only thing with some of these products is time. Some of these kits are a fast set so make sure if you go this route to get the correct kit.

The glue will hold just as stong as the weld but without the added increase for future corrosion. Shops use this stuff on roof skins, door skins and qtr panel replacement all the time.

 

unfortunatly with rust already there you'' still have rust to start again...

To the OP,
don't have a friend or friend of a friend with a welder??? The best way to get that rust out is to cut it all out grind the metal clean and then weld a patch back in (or glue it if necessary) and then cover both sides with several thick coats of rubberized undercoating to seal moisture out.

powerblocks "Trucks" did use body bonding glue to put the bed sides on "Second Chance Silverado" so I am sure theres a glue out there good enough to hold the patches. Just make sure to cut out all rust and spray the tarnished areas with a rust preventative/converter to stop the rust... Cover everything with rubberized undercoating!

 

The Glue kit I was talking about is 3m 8115 panel bond kit two part system. Can be used on pretty much anything but plastic composite bumpers. You need to have their gun to mix it though. The kit itself is around $40 plus whatever the gun costs.

Also if you go this route you'll need to clean the area real good.

 

Check under your local Craigslist automotive services for a welder,you can find a welder willing to do it for a reasonable price.

 

You guys gave me alot of ideas and didnt know it. Thanks for helping with a bunch of questions i had.