Pulled up my carpet and cut a panel to get to my fuel pump and other parts. While doing this, I noticed the bolt holes that held the mounts for my 2nd row seats were rusted and broke open so the bolts can simply fall through. So basically the holes are larger than the bolts.

How can I fix this without welding? Will large washers of some kind suffice? Not sure how much access I have from underneath the vehicle since the fuel tank might be in the way of some of it.

Also, I plan on cutting a plate to make an access cover where the fuel pump and parts are. Can I just use self tapping screws to mount the plate or is that not strong enough? Would I also need to seal it with something?

Thanks in advance.

 

post some pics.
if it was just a body panel I would say bond it in with epoxy. bodyshops have 5 second expoxy that will never move. the problem is for seats...its a safety issue and legally (in Canada anyways) it must be welded in with proper structure support.

 

I would use a sealer or epoxy with the self-tapping screws. Make a gasket with epoxy and screw it down. Depending on how much you have to do if might be cheaper to get it welded. I had a rusty floor full of holes and it was more cost effective for me to buy welding machine and sheet metal then all that epoxy and self tapping screws. My floor was in bad shape though. Price out your options, you might be better with screws.

 

Nothing a little bit of plate, nuts, bolts and some sealer cant fix. If the rust is from the inside, you do need to fix the water leak. A lot of these vans back doors leak and the water runs up to the front and rots them out. Down here in Florida any way.