I popped the rear seat out and found there was lots of rust and even a few holes. is this fixable/replaceable without costing me a whole lot of $$$? Im starting to think it may not even be worth the 5k I paid for it, but it is such a nice and uncommon car! And no I still haven't got the top working been very busy at work!!! but im slowly getting there. thanks again.... any pointers as to what else I should be checking on it? PNW Delta88

 

Convertibles rust under the back seat.

That's where the water goes that gets in through damaged rear windows and stopped up top gutters.

Most have holes there (that's why it costs a lot more to buy a rust-free car, and that's why you look under the back seat before buying a convertible).

You can buy replacement floor pan segments and weld them in, or, if this isn't a real "restoration," you can pop rivet in sheet metal, or just leave it like that, because, after all, who's going to see it?

- Eric

 

Yeah I should have known better. and it isn't a real restoration I guess, just trying to find the easier, cheaper way to fix it...right. I appreciate the help I figured that it was replaceable just not sure how to do it.

 

If the seat cushion stays on and nobody else is going to see it, just leave it, then.

More water will get in, and the holes will let it run out.

No harm, no foul.

- Eric

 

Post a picture of what you have and it will easier for us to decide on how to fix it.
hard to tell otherwise.
BTW, welcome to the site!

 

The seat is actually in great shape and locks in place just fine. I definitely could see there are a few holes and its probably worse than I could tell! I guess there are more important things to get after besides that...1975 delta 88 royale 455 red, white top(new) it sat for a year before I got it(month ago) who knows how long before that. Exterior and interior are actually quite nice, if I try to find flaws im sure I will. Thanks again, I will try to get some pics up soon so I can get more feedback because I would like to fix it

 

Oh. That's different.

Scratch the "buy patch panels" part - there are none.

Either patch it with sheet metal or leave it.
Fiberglass is a non-option because of the likelihood it will re-rust and peel off.

- Eric

 

Yeah I tried looking EVERYWHERE for floor pans or the patch kits with no luck. What about pans for an Eldorado, I saw they may be the same? We have welding equipment at our shop so hopefully it is repairable, still haven't dug too deep, and I can patch it and seal it and buy a new weather stripping kit to maybe minimize the leakage. This is my first old car and I think it'll be with me for a long time. Going to order owner manuals and learn a little bit more and just give her some tlc and take it slow!!! It seemed a little congested at first but she is breaking in and runs pretty nicely now, gonna change oil and check brakes this coming week

 

The Eldo top and windows are the same, and I think the seats will interchange.
I'm not sure about the floor pans, but I'd bet they'd be at least close.

The question is, though, what do you get from buying replacement pans vs just using sheet metal?

This car is not a Cutlass, and is barely collectible, and you say you're not planning to restore it or to sell it, anyway, so sinking a couple of hundred into "correct" floor pans, when some sheet metal welded into place will be just as strong and durable, seems like a waste.

- Eric

 

Like you said its not going to hurt it much now so I think ill start with the basics, I changed oil today and next will be getting brakes checked they work good all the time but sound horrible when I first get on the road. Im guessing probably rust from sitting because the shop invoice from last year said they had replaced the brake components but wont know until I get her in the air and check. Lots to be done but no huge rush it runs great, looks great and I am just happy to have a nice oldschool ride finally and also have somewhere to ask my dumb questions and get truthful, knowledgeable answers. Thanks everybody

 

You're welcome.

- Eric