Rust Question?

[Mr onetwo]

I just put my 2003 Forester up on the lift and to my horror there are
rust holes thru both sides of the frame/cradle (not sure what to call
this part?) up by the engine. You can stick your finger right thru it!
The rest of the metal assembly is sound.Is this a replaceable thing or
is it death for the car. I do not have any desire to tear the entire
front of the car off to replace. I can cut my losses right now and start
the search for a rust free car or repair/replace it if it is not too
involved....please help me with knowledge!!!!

[idosubaru]

looks to me like you can remove it and throw it away, and drive another 100,000 miles.  that doesn't look like a part that's supposed to be on the car (which might explain cheap materials/damage/rust).  maybe i'm looking at it wrong or am confused by the picture but i don't recall ever seeing a part like that under the rear transverse mount busing shown in that picture. 

 

I'm familiar with the underneath looking like this, without that piece of metal in place:

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.subaruforester.org%2Fvbulletin%2Fattachments%2Ff70%2F1725-silicone-leaking-bush-suspension.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.subaruforester.org%2Fvbulletin%2Ff70%2Fsilicone-leaking-bush-5705%2F&docid=0ebzfeYooS1knM&tbnid=XeS0vciyfsxeJM%3A&w=640&h=480&bih=667&biw=1366&ved=0ahUKEwj3-sqeubnMAhUIgj4KHcihAn4QMwhCKBswGw&iact=mrc&uact=8

[Fairtax4me]

That's just brace they added on to the mid 2000 models. Not really sure what its for, though I've just assumed that it has something to do with front impact protection.

 

Yes, it is a factory part of the car. Yes, it simply unbolts (easier said than done in rust prone areas). Find some used ones, or do like Gary said and just chuck 'em.