Floorboard Sheet Metal Position

[vette]

Another attempt to get a pic in. You might notice that my floor sheet metal now does not sit on top of the frame any more.

 

[Basil]

Re: test

You passed!

 

[neilert]

Re: test

Is there a benefit to the floor sheet metal next to the frame rather than on top? Is it to reduce the water standing on the top of the frame?

 

[vette]

Re: test

neilert, yes that is why I did it. I trimmed the floor pan and then made a 90 degree bend down at each perimeter except for the side against the sill which was already bent 90 degrees up. That gave me a very stiff edge to weld on and kept the frame rails exposed to the interior cockpit. the edges bent downward about 1/2 inch, It stiffened the pan considerably, allows the welds to be treated and painted on both sides, keeps the frame rails on top dry and they will be painted with Lizard skin sound and heat insulating product. then dynamat insulation then carpet. there should never be water laying on top of the frame again. The edge that I bent down is bent alittle more than 90 degrees so that it exposes the weld underneath. When I coat and paint the bottom of the car, that bottom portion of the weld will be coated as well. then I will lightly hammer the edge flat against the frame rail and apply alittle more paint again.

 

[GregW]

Re: test

An elegant solution. But I think you're paranoid, rust NEVER collects on top of the frame.

 

[vette]

Re: test

Greg, Are you saying that tongue in cheek or are you serious? Is that picture of your frame in perfect condition or is that a rust blemishe surface? I might be able to accept that if the factory put that sheet metal down very tight unto a very smooth frame rail it might not ever get enough water or crud to do much damage. (maybe depending on where you live.) But I had to actually replace a couple parts of my top frame section, I could punch a screw driver right thru it. It may be that I wasn't the first person to put new floor pans in this car. And the last attempt left many gaps.
I also could be, with out a doubt that I am paranoid. I take GREAT pride in over building everything.
Hope you all have a Merry Christmas.

 

[GregW]

Re: test

Hi Dave,
Tongue in cheek. That shot is the rear cross piece with some deep rust pocks. Unless the joints are really well sealed, water will wick into the crevices. Water spraying up from the tires kinda hoses that area down.

 

[vette]

Re: test

Ah yes, I do recognize it. surprisingly I had no trouble there. But the trunk floor was bad forward of those oval opennings.