How bad is it Doc?, Rust control Options

[Dman]

Give it to me straight guys how bad is this? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

Should I replace all of the panels or is there an alternatve? There is a small 3/8 hole in the top of the frame member but there is NO rust on the bottom side of the car (jack point/suspension mount).

[airsix]

Give it to me straight guys how bad is this?  :unsure:

Should I replace all of the panels or is there an alternatve? There is a small 3/8 hole in the top of the frame member but there is NO rust on the bottom side of the car (jack point/suspension mount).

Dman,
If you can weld or have a friend who can this is no big deal. Looks like you've got the engine out, so you're well on your way. I'll contradict Andy just a little and say grind out the bad stuff. It's the only way to know for sure how far the damage goes. You may find that 3/8" hole will open up to 6"x4" before you get to solid metal. Trim your holes up nice with an angle grinder or whatever you've got, THEN treat it with medal-ready, then clean it, then spray the area with zinc-chromate weld-through primer and weld your patches on. Then POR-15 it if you want. Be sure you metal-ready, clean, and zinc-prime the underside of the patch area and inside the suspension console/hollow frame area as best you can before you close up the hole. It'll be good for another 30 years. Also check the firewall near your patch area shown - it may be thinner than you think down there at the corner. Good luck - your car doesn't look in bad shape from the pictures. Definitely worth fixing, and you can do this repair in just a couple of hours, easy.

-Ben M.