fyanrudger Posted July 19, 2014 Share Posted July 19, 2014 Fixed floors, rails, rockers, battery tray/firewall...and this is the last of the rust on my car. An odd spot, at least in my opinion. Where's the source of all that moisture coming from? How high does rust like this usually climb up the pillar? Any advice on fixing it? I doubt anyone sells a panel and getting this made could be difficult. Donor car, I assume? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nelsonian Posted July 19, 2014 Share Posted July 19, 2014 I had a small amount of rot in the drivers side A pillar as well. It was mostly on the outer edge. Had it cut out and replaced with a new metal patch piece. I have gone nuts with trying my best to eradicate any and all rust. I have bought and used Eastwood automotive's internal frame coating which has an 18" hose with a conical nozzle that ensures complete coverage. Your in the home stretch with the rust battle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rturbo 930 Posted July 19, 2014 Share Posted July 19, 2014 (edited) I have rust in that area too. As far as I can tell it was caused by the weather stripping in that area. I have no idea how to fix it, but I'd like to know the proper way to do it. Before you weld in your patch, FYI, there's lead at the bottom of the pillar. Edited July 19, 2014 by rturbo 930 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motomanmike Posted July 20, 2014 Share Posted July 20, 2014 That is kind of a tough spot. I'd really consider cutting it out of another car. once you got it cut, peel the outer sheet off and butt weld it in. I've had a few odd spots on mine, one being in the seat belt bolt in the rocker area. I pondered reinforcing it and drew various thoughts for seat restraints. I ended up sourcing it cut from another car to weld in. It was a much easier repair that way too!! There are alot of resources out there to post Datsun needs and many guys have scrapped cars this year that portion wasn't rusted in. I just walked out to my parts car and oddly enough its rotted in that area as well. My other 2 are not, that area looks great. 75 280z that sat 14 years. Good luck!! You are sooo close!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fyanrudger Posted July 20, 2014 Author Share Posted July 20, 2014 Thanks for the tips...definitely thinking a donor car is the way to go. I'll be on the hunt and hopefully can source a replacement in the next week or so. Thanks a lot. Nelsonian...I'm about to send you a PM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seattlejester Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 I had rust in that exact same place as well. For a patch. Cut out the piece Flatten piece Draw outline with a thicker sharpie Cut on the outside of the sharpie line (gives you a couple extra mm to account for the die grinder you used to cut the piece out originally) Cut out piece Bend piece using hammer and vice Fit piece Bevel edges Weld on the hotter side to get the weld to sink in a bit Grind down Seam seal Primer Paint Be proud of something no one will ever see Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rturbo 930 Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 Seattlejester, do you have pics? How deep was your rust, ie, did it go through both layers, or was it just the outer piece? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seattlejester Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 That is just a general procedure for a good patch repair. Mine only ate through the first layer, just the skin. My patch was just a square, not sure if I have any pictures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fyanrudger Posted August 2, 2014 Author Share Posted August 2, 2014 (edited) I found a donor pillar relatively easy on here and got the part a few days after, but work took over. I'll post up a couple photos when I get it to it hopefully next week. Doesn't look too bad to fix, but not fun either. Edited August 2, 2014 by fyanrudger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fyanrudger Posted August 22, 2014 Author Share Posted August 22, 2014 Finally had the time to work on the car. Definitely not the best job ever...I'm not great at welding, my level of patience was low, and knowing the fact that no one could see the work without pulling a fender or looking way too close will ever easily let me decide to lap weld a portion of the donated piece. But overall, taking the time to cut the bad portion out and prep the new piece made it short work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fyanrudger Posted August 22, 2014 Author Share Posted August 22, 2014 Forgot to include a couple of in between photos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dingo Posted October 21, 2014 Share Posted October 21, 2014 fyanrudger, could you repost those pics please? I am tearing down a 77 and will have to do some similar A pillar work. Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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