big problem with floor rust, how to fix the cause

that much may be true, as little rain as arizona gets, and the fact that the roads are not salted like in the notheren climates in the winter. even living in AZ you will still have this problem even if its to a lesser degree. the floors still get eaten away as the water from even those scarce rainstoms in AZ, or even washing your ride will allow the water to get under that carpet. being that its trapped between the carpet padding, the metal floorpan really doesnt get a good chance to dry out. it will eventually rust thru.

most floorpan rust thru i have seen and repaired in all my tinkering with cars seems to be caused by water / moisture trapped between the carpet padding, and the floorpan.

my 67 cuda was a west texas car all its life, 42 years worth. we get some rain in the spring and fall but its mostly a dry climate. i still am dealing with 2 fairly large holes in the front floorpans from a soggy carpet caused by leaking wiper seals. it must be said that the framerails, rockers, lowers in the doors, fenders and rear quarters in my cuda are all solid only needing minor body work and no rust repair. even the front fenderwell on the battery box side is solid.

trunk floor has the usual rusty spare tire well caused by a leaking back window gasket. they make patch panels for this type of damage so its no big deal, tho i may run a fuel cell anyways in which case i will remove the tire well and sheetmetal the floor flat.

matt