Auto body repair & detailing: Galvanized Underbody repair, autobody shop, rust paint

Question

Underbody Holes I took my Saturn SL2 (1998) in to have a muffler clamp changed (Broken). The technician used an Oxyacetylene torch to the under body directly above the muffler and burned several holes through to the trunk (and burned the carpeting). They have apologized and volunteered to repair. What technically needs to be done to repair this special type of under body (Galvanized), internal corrosion repair, and internal body repair trunk...I am afraid they are just going to do a quick patch up job. Please help !

Answer
Hi Ken, I would personally take the car to a reputable Autobody shop and have them give you a estimate to have the repair work done properly. The shop you take it to will walk you through the repair procedures and also give you the costs of repairing. Ask questions about there rustproofing the repair......
I would personally cut out the burned metal and patch in the area with new metal . Welding with a Mig welder.Also the use of weld through primer. After the repair work is welded into place a Zink or galvalume primer should be applied,followed with a rust paint.These areas were never painted by the manufacturers but had a zink cromate epoxy primer applied to the underside of the vehicles.
Ask the shop that damaged the car if they are willing to cover the costs of having it repaired----------Perhaps they have someone who is qualified with a journeymans certificate to do the repair...
Keep in mind that a Mechanics certificate and a Autobody repairmans certificate are two separate fields. Repair should be done by a qualified Autobody mechanic.....
Hope this helps and that you are able to have the repair done to your satisfaction.......  Kim