I have not dealt with your particular situation, but I do have several
vehicles in outdoor storage awaiting repair with rust issues.
One such vehicle had a small spot of surface rust on the trunk lid.
By the time I got to it 5 yrs later, the spot grew to a hole completely
rusted through, about the size of a tennis ball.

Do what Scott always preaches and fix it immediately.  Scrub the area best
you can with a wire brush or sandpaper and get some rust converter on there,
then prime/paint.  That will at least buy you some time to do a complete,
proper repair at your convenience.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
John Rodgers
Sent: Saturday, August 01, 2009 10:22 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Rust Rot

I had my van up on the rack yesterday as part of the action to replace
the speedometer cable. I opted for the one piece cable and removed the
two piece one from the vehicle. New one works great. As my ol' Granny
used to say " it's slick'r than owl dung!"

While under there, I looked at the spot right under the foot pedal, and
was dismayed at the degree of rust rot that has occured at that spot.
The shape of the metal at that location looks like a moisture/water
trap. At this stage it's not just rust - but the metal has actually
rotted through. This is going ot cause me some grief if I don't get on
it and make a repair. It's not an easy spot, either.

Has anyone dealt with this particular issue before. Any input would be
appreciated.

BTW, my 88 GL is pretty rust free but for this one spot.

Thanks,

John Rodger
Chelsea, AL