My recently acquired 1996 Mini is generally "ok" bodywork wise. Well as ok as 20 year old Minis get. Any rust seems to be superficial and not widespread although I will be confirming this in the weeks to come and I might need to reassess this view.
When I bought the car I lifted the front carpets to see a more troubling rust spot and since the car was delivered I have ripped out the carpet at the front which was wet and water seems to have accumulated in the heel area and footwell (driver side). Week one was to ensure the car ran without cutting out and that I had not bought anything accident damaged etc.
I tried to attach pictures but the files are coming up as too large. Basically the drivers heel panel shows rust particularly around the drainage holes which are currently exposed (the plugs are in my pocket). I am hoping this is largely cosmetic and will clean up but before I tackle it I would appreciate views. The two holes are the drainage holes and I have two rust edged plugs. I have poked hard with a screwdriver and it seems to be solid.
My first question is am I wasting my time cleaning this up and should I just be getting the rust cut out and a new panel welded / bolted. I have read about references to "repair panels" but unsure how and when these come into play.
My related question is: what is the black / silver flakes on top of the metal. Is this body filler that has been disturbed by ripping up the carpet or is it a layer of factory fitted sealant on top of the steel? The more I pick at the loose bits the more it comes off so I don't want to cause any more damage before I understand what I am dealing with. Apologies for giving a verbal description when a picture would show everything so much clearer
Appreciate your expert views and opinions,