Holes in flooring?

[EBmez]

I'm about to take my '79 for it's first inspection since 1993 and noticed there are a couple of rust holes in the driver's side floor. Reading through the inspection manual, it says that it "may not have openings through which exhaust gases could enter passenger compartment." However, I also noticed that there are existing holes (drainage holes?) in the flooring as part of the original design. I know these rust holes need to be fixed, but one of them appears to be around a drainage hole, so I'm not sure to what extent the repairs are needed

If it makes any difference, I'm in PA.

Thanks!

[Exit98]

Hi,

There's a ton of posts about floor repairs. These will get you started:

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 30&t=22244

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 30&t=18105

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 30&t=18105

Even on a solid Spider most will have rust on the floors to one extent or another. Don't do it piecemeal. You have to get all the old tar insulation off the floor to determine the extent of the repairs needed. Aside from the obivious holes in the footwells it's critical that you check the mounting reinforcements for the real trailing arms which are at the base of the rear seat directly behind the driver and passenger seats. Serious rust there can compromise the rear suspension. Another common area for rust are the seat supports that are welded to the floor. We've seen them virtually rusted away from the floor, anohter safety issue. While the seats are out pull the cushion off the seat pan. Another common rust area. Once you tackle and complete the job, including new floor insulation you'll never have to do it again. The new insulation will greatly reduce the heat entering the cabin from the engine and particularly the trans tunnel, and it cuts down on noise a little too.

Covering the vent holes is a subject of some debate. Some do, some don't. I don't think it matters much, most of our cars are semi-retired now and don't see much rain.

All in all a very satisfying project and really not that hard to do, and not expensive. You'll invest quite a few hours though.

Good Luck.

[Exit98]

As far as PA inspection is concerned, just hope they don't check the floors. They probably won't.

[4uall]

This may help as well http://forum.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtop ... &hilit=por

[daved]

I live in Pennsylvania also. The inspection stations are really free to interpret the rules as they choose. You might think about doing the work before you take it in for inspection. Sounds some work does need to be done, mabe its better for them to not be able to find any thing which will draw a lot of attention to your car.