Rust under rear seats...

Yesterday, I was continuing the removal of my interior on my 1973 911T. I removed the door panels, the rear deck, the rear side panels, and all of the carpet. Everything looked solid, until I removed the original sound deadening material that covers the rear seat area. When I pulled the mat, I noticed that the metal was a little discolored, and a little surface rust seemed to have formed. Anyway, I took a wire brush to the area, and I made a hole completely through the sheet metal. To me, it looked like the rust had started from the inside, and worked it's way outward. There are no water leaks in my car, so I kinda think that the rusting must have been caused from 30 years of condensation, or the adhesive that was used sped up the aging process.

My question then is, does anyone know where I could order original sheet metal replacements for the rusted area? I looked in my catalogs, but did not see a replacement part. Since the rust is only on the flat lower portion of the rear seats, I guess I could have someone cut out the flat sections, and weld in new metal, but I would like to correct any more problems before they happen. To anyone else doing a restoration...look under the rear sound deadening mat!

Bill

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William Armentrout
1973 911T
2.7 carerra rs specs
www.geocities.com/william_armentrout

Bill, my '66 912 had the same problem-but MUCH worse-holes big enough to put your fist through in the depressions, plus weak areas in the firewall and all along the small ridge on the rear package shelf under the rear window. I couldn't find patch panels either, so I made my own using 20 guage sheet metal that I cut to fit, formed, then galvanized and welded into place-lotsa work. My theory on the rust is that it's caused by water leaking past the window seals and collecting in the low spots of pan. Check the drain tubes at the lower rear inside corners of the rear window, and you may want to pull the window out to make sure the lower lip on the body isn't rusted away-mine was!

Mine was leaking into this area as well (but no rust - go figure?).

It was predominantly getting in from the sunroof drain tube. However, as my front windscreen leaked I can recommend checking your rear windscreen - it can look solid but still leak.

I suggest that while the interior is out (and assuming the glass etc is still in!), you get someone to play a hose over the car and find the places (most likely plural) where it leaks.

My hints (problem areas] are:
[*] Front hood seal - will leak like a sieve if the corner is cracked[*] Front and rear windscreens[*] Side windows (unlikely to be severe)[*] Sunroof drain holes (have a look under the headliner to be sure)

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Cameron Baudinet
1975 911S

[This message has been edited by CamB (edited 09-18-2000).]

Thanks guys for the tips. I plan on replacing every window/door/hood/trunk/sunroof seal in the car after I get it painted. The seals that are on the car are definitely old and cracked. Anyway, my main question was to see if anyone knew where/if I could get a complete sheet metal replacement part for my rusted area. I have never seen this part for sale in a catalog. I guess they don't make it anymore? Thanks again.

Bill

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William Armentrout
1973 911T
2.7 carerra rs specs
www.geocities.com/william_armentrout

I purchased all my replacement panels from restoration design in michigan. very nice people and easy to deal with. i believe its web site is http://www.restoration-design.com/index1.html they might have what you need.
craig

I found the same in a 70 911T. I used the POR15 product and fiberglass mat. Worked extremely well.