welding issue and wet footwells

[dan_thevdub_man]

i knw there has been billions of threads regarding wet floors etc, but im just goin to put this out there.
iv not long brought the car so in te process of tidying it up, and just brought a new leather mulberry interior so prepping for tht i decided to tyake out the old seats (obviously) and whilst i was doing it i thought id take out the carpet and give tht a good vax.
when i removed the carpet, the front sound deadener was completely sopping wet, enough tht i hung it up to dry and it was dripping.
why is this? and what can i do to stop it
the welding issue, is the back passanger footwell, there looks like 2 rust patches where the drainage grommets are fitted, if i was to get a pal to weld a piece of sheet metal over this after treating and sealing the patches would tht reinforce the floor again, enuff to ensure nobody put there foot through the floor.
any help and advice is glady recieved and anyone with a welder in and around stoke, chester manchester way id be willing to pay u a visit and pay healthly

[Gti_Jamo]

The grommets are bad for rusting out and letting in water and there is a lot of them so check them all. Chances are thats how the water is getting in but maybe best to run a hose over it with the carpets out just to make sure the water is not coming in eleswhere like door seals or down behind the dash where the pollen filter is. Welding up the grommet holes is fine, its common practice and will make the floor stronger. Jus weld up the holes individually than apply some sealer to ensure their water tightness.

[dan_thevdub_man]

The grommets are bad for rusting out and letting in water and there is a lot of them so check them all. Chances are thats how the water is getting in but maybe best to run a hose over it with the carpets out just to make sure the water is not coming in eleswhere like door seals or down behind the dash where the pollen filter is. Welding up the grommet holes is fine, its common practice and will make the floor stronger. Jus weld up the holes individually than apply some sealer to ensure their water tightness.

thanks so much for tht mate. kinda put my mind to rest knowing its quite common. thanks again

[GOLF-MK3-GTI]

As Gti_Jamo has said, plus if they are rusted, cut the old metal out an weld in new metal, it's always best to weld from outside (underneath). Then apply underseal/waxoil to protect it further. I'm going to seam seal mine from the inside too.

[Gti_Jamo]

Also always make sure your floor is bone dry before sealing as seam saler and waxoyl will trap water indefinately and will quickly rot out. You could also condider using stone chip (Upol Gravitex) as its less messy than waxoyl and leaves a better finish. There is some pics in my build thread under my sig of what I done to the underneath of my Mk3. A bit more extreme but gives you a rough idea.

[apple t]

I had exactly the same last year. Both foot wells had huge holes with nothing but carpet between me and Tarmac.

Took to the local garage. He cut back to the decent metal work, welded in two plates on eitherside and sealed with some black rubbery looking stuff. All it for about £60 quid I think.

Money well spent and the car slightly quieter afterward

Get it welded before you do a Fred Flintstone. 

[dan_thevdub_man]

haha yh tht is what im worried about, my feet falling through the floor haha, thanks guys