Rust #2: To Fix or Faux

[Deleted member 144409]

Howdy Experts,

I was excitedly stripping out the cargo carpeting in my 89 Raider to ready it for new carpet. I discovered that both wheel well mounts for the rear seat belts are rusted through.



I really couldn't care less about the back seat as I doubt seriously it will go back in. Especially since I'm putting in the pass bouncy seat which will make access difficult.

What's your recommendations?
Cut the compromised wheel well and lower part of the truss and find a friend with a portable welder?
Manage/neutralize the rust the best I can and rivet new metal to both sides? Concerns with the truss?

I do have a 91 LS 4-door donor but haven't pulled the paneling yet to see if it can help in this case.

Thanks!

David

PS: I really wouldn't think the wheel well would be a sufficient mounting point for a rear seat belt. I'm also not an automotive engineer....

 

['round n' back again]

begin by a bath in muriatic acid. do all your PPE safety stuff.
then rinse with a heavy solution of baking soda and water.
swish with a parts brush after a splash.
getting all crannies.
let sit a spell,
then freshwater rinse.
rinse rinse again
then hairdryer.
then paint, i like wheel paint, sticks good heavy solids.
done!

if there is perforation, use aluminum tape over paint.