Volvo Repair: Rusty Volvo Question, volvo owners, volvo dealership

Question
James,
First I would like to thank you for volunteering this service to Volvo owners.  As you may have guessed, mechanics tend to avoid my Volvo and all I can do is drive to the dealership...which is not close at all.
I have an older Volvo, and I understand if you cannot offer any specific advice.  I drive a 1986 Volvo 240DL.  I purchased it about two months ago and it is in great mechanical condition.  However, there is some rust on the body.  And, unfortunately, there is a ton of rust on the floor pans.  In fact, the rear floor pan is completely rusted through to the carpet and I have two small children that I cart around everywhere in the backseat!
Do you reccomend taking it to the Volvo dealership's body shop and asking them to replace the floor pan or should I see if someone can weld some sheet metal down there?
Thank you for any advice you can offer,
Jennifer

Answer
The floor pan can be easily replaced by an reputable body shop with ease.  Just replace the metal and trim it in to good fit.  Since paint really isn't required either it is usually very affordable.  Most dealers out source all of their body work anyways so you're better off just going to your local place as long as you trust them.

James