Triumph Repair: Triumph Spitfire 1500, triumph spitfire 1500, pin pricks

Question
I have a 1979 triumph Spitfire that has has a body off restoration in the past, but while I work replacing the gearbox cover with new and had the carpets out I noticed that the highland areas of the front floor pans were OK but the valleys were just beginning to show pin pricks of light here and there.  Having read your answer about welding or rivetting in a replacement panel it made me wonder whether I could treat the rust and strength the floor panels with a rivetted plate across the highland areas.

I have been standing in the foot well which seems quite sound apart from were I guess the carpet has been soaked and the panel has rotted in a small proportion of its area.

Any ideas to save me having to pay £200 for replacement panels and someone to weld them into place?

David
Hertfordshire UK

Answer
Hi David,
It's your car so you can do what ever you want. Many owners just put a second layer of metal down over rusted areas rather than cutting and welding in new floor panels because of the cost. The only problem is if moisture gets between the two panels it will rust away very fast. Many just op for cleaning the floor area and coating it with the heavy duty pick-up truck bed lining spray on material. It is very tough and will seal the pin holes. It is available at most auto parts stores.
Howard