How much is too much (trunk rust)

Hello,

I have recently purchased a 1972 chevy nova and am a complete novice in restoration work, but picked this up wanting to use it as a daily driver while working on it.

From the outside it is in relatively good shape and it runs and drives extremely well, but I committed a cardinal sin and did not inspect the trunk thoroughly and there is significant rust back there. It has rusted through the side fender at the bottom of the trunk well in spots on both sides and has some rust through between the trunk well and the back of the car.

It feels solid, but I want to find out the best way to proceed.

I have been driving it everyday, except when it is raining, is it safe to continue this?

Thanks for any and all help.

P.S. I can post some pictures later today if that will help.

The way I see it (without seeing any pictures of it) is you have two basic choices. You could have a new trunk pan (and whatever else is rusty) replaced by a restoration shop. Pans should be available through Year One or other places I'm sure. It will be expensive, but done right.

The cheap way would to remove as much rust as possible, treat the exposed metal areas with a rust stop product. Then fiberglass it from inside the trunk and undercoat it from the underside. It pretty much has to be water tight to last a while.

Bob

Here are some photos of the car and some shots of the trunk rust.

http://sz6vgh.smugmug.com/gallery/3511106#198187411

Looked at your photos ,just sand it off and treat it with rust inhibitor like Bob said ,fibre glass the holes or use your metal there and then seal it with tar . No one will see it assuming you do have the carpet for it .lol