Rust in kick panel corner ...

[Zorro]

I just removed my carpet today and noticed this.

Ugh.

What should I do? I know diddly squat about body work ...

I really do not want to cut/weld a new bit in place.

 

[funkingonutz]

(this is the redneck way)dude, if you want to get rid of the rust, chip it all away,then apply that great stuff sh*t from Home Depot, should seal the hole,the downside is ....if there is any other weak metal around the "hole" where the rust was the GREATSTUFF will push it out a little.....maybe.

but if you want to get into body work(professionaly) then your going to have to cut a good corner off of a "parts Truck" and weld it in place of the bad (rusted) material.

 

[hunt-n-fish]

You can try to fix it yourself, or go see a pro. IMHO you really ought to get it fixed properly... That is part of the A-Pillar assembly which provides for the structural 'soundness' of your ride. Did you look behind the wheel well to see if there is any more cancer?

 

[Zorro]

Cut out some of the rust ... now it's visible how the rotting formed.

Time to bring out the duct tape.

 

[Mark_88]

That looks something like my first Ranger...but mine was worse...and if you don't get to it soon you will be pushing your clutch (if you have one) through the firewall...if you're serious about keeping this vehicle you might want to get the rust done right...if that's the only really bad spot then it's not too much work...you might want to have a close look at other areas of the firewall...behind the dash under the windshield...in the corners especially...if you've got a rust spot there it could be seeping down through the pillar and that's a major restore...

The good news is you can always replace the cab...and I think I drove mine for two years before the clutch went through...so you may have some time to consider other options than duct tape...

 

[hunt-n-fish]

It looks as tho you are putting alot of time, effort and a few $$ into your ride. Please take the time to fix it properly now while you have it apart. Clean up the rust( wire brush is okay, a sandblaster is way better ), weld in patches and paint or coat with a rubberized undercoating. The rust on the firewall, from what i can see, isn't that bad. Duct tape won't do shit but age and fall apart and let more water in. Expandable foam isn't a real good idea either.