The floor is load-bearing, too. Rather than just covering over the damage with sheet-metal, I'd be inclined toward using 'Git-Rot' or the soaking-in kind of epoxy that's been discussed at length re: floor repairs. Let the little buggers choke on THAT. Tuna '48 Trailwind '50 FrankenJeepster WBCCI#8862/VAC Reno, NV