Body Work/floor pan

eddge

New Member
Joined
Oct 2, 2006
Location
Fayetteville
I got rust :handed: not too worried about the panels, except my floor pan. its got holes, and i wanna get rid of em. I was thinking maybe diamond plate, just for the looks. But i want suggestions from people who know what they are doing. I wanna do it right for the most part, but not worried about looks too much, just because im only useing the truck at a toy. i just dont want to fall through the floor eventually. Its not too bad..... yet.... but it will get that way if i dont do something soon.
any ideas? or links to some info on fixing floor rust?
 
go to this site and check out the 78 chevy pickup this is what I did by just using some sheet metal from an old hood that was lying around. I could actually do a better job if I some thinner metal but it was a quick job but got rid of the rust hole that where there. You could also use this stuff called POR 15 after you get the holes patched up, it is a rust inhibitor. If you would like just give me a call and we can work somthing (704)819-9494

www.highlowcustoms.com
 
Thanks. Appreciate the info. Im wanting to do the work myself though. I dont have much experiance, but still want the feeling you get when you do it yourself. The pride i guess. But if i have any questions, or problems, ill give ya a call. I might ask for some help with the outside rust holes that will need someone a little more experianced patching up. And after looking at your site, and what you guys offer, i am going to eventually need a decent bumper on the front. But thats later down the road for now.
 
Just grab some sheet metal and cut it to the right shape. Replacing the entire side is usually easier. Just cut a piece that matches the existing floor. Use posterboard to make a template. Then cut out the old floor leaving a 1 inch edge for an overlap. Weld in the new one and you are done.
 
I don't know what kind of rig you have, but JC Whitney (and other places) often carry floorboards ready to weld in! That can be the easiest option, fits nicely, save a bunch of fabrication time, etc.

That being said, we usually take various flat metal stock and cut out the rusted piece and BRAZE in the new pieces. By braze, I am talking about using an acetylene setup and using brass rods. The temps you are using is alot lower...dad has been rebuilding cars this way for well...nearly 50 years now. This works out really well if you are doing "Pretty" stuff...the nice panels/brazing them in, etc...

However...if you own a MIG setup....practice until you are comfortable with welding sheet metal...that is probably the FUTURE of doing this kind of work. Dad/my way is the old style. I think with the higher MIG heat you have to do VERY small sections at a time, let it cool down, etc.

As they said, you will have the two pieces overlap each other...not a tough job, but would practice with scrap metal first!! When I bought my MIG (ReadyWelder) I went out and bought $20 worth of scrap iron and having been playing since then trying to get good.

I am NOT good by any far fetch...but "good enough" to weld stuff up on our farm on the tractor, that kind of thing. Ugly/booger welds but they hold.

Oh yeah, if OBXFISHERMAN still has them, he had some really good pics where he welded in new panels in his XJ! You might try PM'g him.

Sam
 
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