Floor Pans

[75JOE]

Should I use pans from one of the vendors or try to fab from sheet metal.  Kelly Sheet Metal quoted $54.00 for a 8x10 sheet of 18 ga. and will cut it down to rough sizes I would need?  Floor will be covered with vinyl or carpet so appearance will not be an issue.  I realize that without the ribs there may be some flex. 

I have never done fabrication, and do not currently have a metal brake.

Also, didn't some of you use Raptor Liner?  If yes, how has it held up and are you happy with it?

[JustaFordGuy]

I made my own but the vendor replacements will be easier. I only made my own so I could justify buying a plasma cutter, metal brake and new welder.

I think Bret used the Raptor liner and it turned out nice but he isn't finished with his Bronco so not sure how it will hold up long term.

[75JOE]

Thanks.  Will probably go with the vendor pans.  Will get a new MIG for the process.

Any other suggestions for DIY liner?

[lonesouth]

I used POR15 and then covered with peel and seal.  I've got some POR left over and it is yours if you want it.  I keep it in the fridge, per the directions, so it should be good.

[JustaFordGuy]

Hey Joe, How's the floor pan project going?

[75JOE]

Sorry...missed this earlier. Mother in law developed some health problems and passed a couple of weeks ago. Had not touched it in a couple of months until this Saturday.  Got the one inch WH body lift installed this weekend.  Will hopefully start cutting the rot out this weekend.  That is after I get the tension off the steering. Loosened the emergency brake, dropped the shroud and disconnected the shifter linkage but not the steering column.

[JustaFordGuy]

Sorry to hear about your Mother in-law.

I can't remember how the 75 column is setup but the one on my 77 was able to slide out to make up for the different angle with no problem. I did have to remove it and heat it with a torch to melt some plastic inside that was holding it together. After that it slides in and out no problem.

[BTIMMONS]

go with good floor pans...hand fab can be a job - me I was trying to keep my costs down but provide a solid metal repair to look good and last long time.  do you have rot in your kick panels?

[lonesouth]

I don't remember doing anything with my column other than disconnecting it at the steering box.  When I did a 2" on my 73, I didn't have to take the column out either.  Both had a double-D extendable lower shaft.

[75JOE]

I got the pans from Jeff's.  Realized that by the time I tried to fab new ones I would be better off to go the pre-fab route.  Kick panels are good fortunately.

Talked to WH today.  They said to loosen bolts on both sides of the firewall where the column comes out and that should let it relax.  Typing this I am wondering will that cause the steering wheel to push back? 

It has factory PS so it has a rag joint.

[JustaFordGuy]

Hey Joe,
How are the floor pans coming along?

[75JOE]

Coming along slowly.  Time is the biggest issue right now.  Not sure what I dislike more, rust or spot welds. 

[JustaFordGuy]

I hear ya, Spot welds are a pain but I HATE rust.

[BTIMMONS]

The cutting out is easy...my body contortions to do the welds kill me. 

[75JOE]

Spoke too soon about the kick panel.  Did find a bad spot.  Only about 1" square.  It is like peeling an onion.  Does anyone have a recommendation on a seam sealer?  Brush on or tube?  Waiting now for the POR 15 people to open.  Paint jobber says seam seal then POR 15 but web info says POR 15 then seam seal.