I cut out a section of the inner passenger rocker panel and made a patch panel.  I then attempted to weld it in place.  I’ve never welded before – never even watched someone do it – and I didn’t even sleep at a Holiday Inn last night.  Wrong move.  I should have practiced some on scrap metal first.  I got the patch panel in place and ground down the welds, but there are holes.  I think I’ll have to cut it out and make a new patch and try again (after some practicing).