Floor pan install question

[CDOG]

I am in the process of cutting out old and installing my new floor pans. The body is loose but still on to avoid any allignment issues that might arrise. I have the passenger side done and am getting ready to start cutting out the drivers side today. The question is when I install the new pans should I weld all the way around them or just spot weld in places and fill in with body filler before I have it Line-X'ed. I don't want any sharp edges to cut feet on. I welded the passenger floor all the way around and have been grinding away for a couple of days to try and smooth them out. The P.O. used very thick steel to replace the floors and it was difficult to weld the different thicknesses of metal and try to do a good job. I think I will still have to use some type of filler on the one I welded all the way around. Any thoughts?

 

[2badrotties]

You could tack them all the way around and go over it with a little something BUT the bottom is what you will need to worry about. make sure you seam seal all the way around where the two pieces go together to keep water and moisture from coming up from the bottom. The bedliner is going to protect the top just fine but you don't want to have problems start from the bottom and work there way up.

 

[FOMOCO_1546]

I drilled holes around the outside edge of my new pans. I then used sheet metal screws and fastened the pan down tight. I then button welded the new pan to the 1" of old floor pan that I left in place. Then use seam sealer around the edge of new pan.

 

[CDOG]

Thanks, is seam sealer the brand name of a product or a general term for something I can find at Checkers, Auto Zone etc.

 

[FOMOCO_1546]

I use seam sealer that comes in a tube that you put in a caulking gun. There are a bunch of different brands. It sets up like caulking around your bathtub. It doese not get hard and crack.

 

[Scoop]

The best is 3M brand. It's around $14 a tube, but well worth it.

 

[scottmcwms]

Here is another seam sealer from Eastwood. I just put mine on yesterday and it looks really good. This stuff is thick so you can build it up if you have any big gaps. Its a little cheaper than the 3M stuff, but I bet it works just as well.

http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?itemID=1674&itemType=PRODUCT

Scott

 

[2badrotties]

I have used just about all of the brands at one time or another. They are all about the same as long as they are urethane type. NAPA here in my area carries Fusor brand in calking gun tubes. It is really good stuff. 3M urethane seam sealer is just as good but you need to buy a special gun for the bags it comes in. 3M fast and firm isn't worth buying. Make sure whatever you buy is urethane type and you will be good to go

 

[eds66bronco]

uh, how are you going to get to the body bolts that are now welded under the floor pans? just wondering... %)

 

[PsYcHoBrOnCo]

Thanks, is seam sealer the brand name of a product or a general term for something I can find at Checkers, Auto Zone etc.

Being from Texas probably explains why I have never heard of Checkers? %)

 

[CDOG]

The pictures you see are of the old floor pans before I cut them out. The body bolts were not accessable as you noticed. The passengers side is now like it should be and the drivers side is going in today.