I had a similar issue with rust & ripped metal.

One of my sway bar hangers off the frame rail actually ripped out a section of the frame. I would have figured that the hanger itself would have broke before the metal ripped, but DAMN !!!

I had to cut out a section of car & weld in a new piece. PIA !!!

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1994 E500 (MY SUNDAY DRIVER)
1993 190E SPORTLINE LE W/ M104 SWAP
1997 C230
2002 ML320
2000 BMW 528I (WIFEY'S CAR)

"Excuses are crutches for the unfounded."