fixing a hole
HeWhoKillz
01-22-2009, 03:23 PM
I have a 91 corolla. Its got a rust problem. Right behind the right rear wheel, there is a big hole. This would be due to the trunk leaking. The other side is fine, just this one here. Now I know the car has over 200000 miles on it but its still drivable and reliable. The car has a body kit on it so the hole can't be seen but rust spreads. Would it be best to use some bondo on this? Or what would be the ideal to use. The hole wouldn't even need to be covered perfectly, just so long as i can stop the rust. Filling in the hole probably wouldn't be a bad idea.
shorod
01-22-2009, 08:27 PM
Plastic filler is like a sponge if exposed to water. The ideal thing to use would be clean, fresh metal that's painted properly after installation.
-Rod
-Rod
MagicRat
01-23-2009, 05:24 PM
, just so long as i can stop the rust. Filling in the hole probably wouldn't be a bad idea.
Really quick and easy - brush and sand off all the loose rust, apply a rust converter fluid (follow the directions) then paint.
As for filling the hole - a metal patch panel is good. If the hole is small and hidden, you can get away with using sheet metal screws for quick and dirty fix.
A properly-shaped metal panel MIG-welded in place is ideal, but obviously more difficult to do.
Finally, have you checked underneath for chassis/structural rust? In my experience, its rare for rust to hit just one spot in an older car.
Really quick and easy - brush and sand off all the loose rust, apply a rust converter fluid (follow the directions) then paint.
As for filling the hole - a metal patch panel is good. If the hole is small and hidden, you can get away with using sheet metal screws for quick and dirty fix.
A properly-shaped metal panel MIG-welded in place is ideal, but obviously more difficult to do.
Finally, have you checked underneath for chassis/structural rust? In my experience, its rare for rust to hit just one spot in an older car.
HeWhoKillz
01-23-2009, 09:54 PM
Really quick and easy - brush and sand off all the loose rust, apply a rust converter fluid (follow the directions) then paint.
As for filling the hole - a metal patch panel is good. If the hole is small and hidden, you can get away with using sheet metal screws for quick and dirty fix.
A properly-shaped metal panel MIG-welded in place is ideal, but obviously more difficult to do.
Finally, have you checked underneath for chassis/structural rust? In my experience, its rare for rust to hit just one spot in an older car.
It has some spots on the corners right in front of both rear wheels where the water is suppose to drain but got clogged. I'm going to cut that out and do the same. Ive been underneath and tapped around but I don't see any.
As for filling the hole - a metal patch panel is good. If the hole is small and hidden, you can get away with using sheet metal screws for quick and dirty fix.
A properly-shaped metal panel MIG-welded in place is ideal, but obviously more difficult to do.
Finally, have you checked underneath for chassis/structural rust? In my experience, its rare for rust to hit just one spot in an older car.
It has some spots on the corners right in front of both rear wheels where the water is suppose to drain but got clogged. I'm going to cut that out and do the same. Ive been underneath and tapped around but I don't see any.
Automotive Network, Inc., Copyright ©2026