has anyone replaced floors using sheetmetal instead of buying replacements? I need some input on this 66 300 deluxe.

or if not who makes the best ones to buy?

ODOT make the ...ah, cheapest sign....I mean alternative after market flat floorpan replacemts with decorative paint on 1 side. :D

But check our sponsoe for stamped pans. smile.gif
http://www.chevelles.com/support/support_g5.gif
http://www.ss396.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=chevellecamino&Category_Code=SHEETMETAL

Originally posted by pi71:
has anyone replaced floors using sheetmetal instead of buying replacements? I need some input on this 66 300 deluxe. I think you would need to be able to press in some indentations. These give the panels additional stiffness.

Some of the aftermarked panels aren't too pricey, and they seem to fit well.

Depends on how large the area is that you want to repair. I used some sheetmetal to repair a small rusted area in my driver's side pan because the damage was so small and confined, I couldn't justify replacing the entire pan. After I welded the new metal in and dressed it with a grinder, you can't even tell where the damage was. I would not use sheetmetal to replace large sections of floor. They're stamped with those ribs and indentations for a reason.

Food for thought:
If you just want to plug the holes so your feet won't get wet, or drag on the ground, almost anything will do.

In 40 Minnesota years of car repairs we have seen some innovative approaches come in to the shop. Including plywood, old signs, scrap tin, roof flashing, shingles, even adding more floormats. 2X4s and wooden crates work really well to prop up the seat when it drops through floor.

Rivets, sheetrock screws, sheetmetal screws, and roofing tar were the favored methods of attaching and sealing.

If your desire is to return the vehicle to its original strength, appearance, create a long term benefit of value and corrosion reduction, do it right.

Invest in the floor panels. Take the time to install them properly. Use current technology for welding, corrosion protection, caulking, sealing and refinishing.

The installation with quality repro pans will reward you with less frustration, time spent, and a superior cosmetic outcome.

As Randy said, be sure it needs full pans. Smaller areas can be fabricated and welded.

If your car is the 300 factory air Deluxe 2dr. that just sold on E-bay you will probably need full pans.

300 deluxes' are so special, all three of mine need floors, or major repair. Gotta love those rubber mats.

Karl

Well said Karl....