73 Crew Cab Floor Pan Replacement
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 120
Likes: 9
73 Crew Cab Floor Pan Replacement
Newbie here with some questions. I have a 1973 Crew Cab that needs both floor pans replaced. I just recieved the new pieces from LMC truck and the quality looked good as was cost and shipping. I have all tools and mig welding equipment needed to do this project. I'm curious as to how most you are welding these pans in place, butt joint or possible flange joint with 1/2" lap. Not going for show quality just a good driver /weekend hauler type truck. I know i need to trim and fit as needed .I will do short 1 " welds spaced to keep warp-age to a minimum and let cool. I will not need to replace the cab mounts as the rust is mostly towards the outside corners near door/ Kick panel. Drivers side has various small hole at edge and under gas pedal. I order a set of Eastwood butt joint clamps just to have on hand for the pan replacement. Any suggestion on which seam sealer to use to seal pan once completed. Thanks in advance for advice or comments.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
Personally, I prefer butt joints. I use magnets instead of clamps. Harbor Freight has decent ones for about $3 each..
If overlapping, have about a 1/2-inch rolled flanged overlap.
One-inch welds on 16-gauge sheetmetal will put too much heat into the panel. Go shorter and skip around the patch. Cooling the area with compressed air or a damp rag will also reduce warping.
Seam sealer... I prefer 3M brushable seam sealer PN 8656. Apply to both sides of the panel. Prime and topcoat. I've started using aerosol bedliner on floor areas.
If overlapping, have about a 1/2-inch rolled flanged overlap.
One-inch welds on 16-gauge sheetmetal will put too much heat into the panel. Go shorter and skip around the patch. Cooling the area with compressed air or a damp rag will also reduce warping.
Seam sealer... I prefer 3M brushable seam sealer PN 8656. Apply to both sides of the panel. Prime and topcoat. I've started using aerosol bedliner on floor areas.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 120
Likes: 9
HIO Silver,
Thanks for taking your time and responding to my post regarding pan replacement. I might try both methods and see which works bet for me. I will take your suggestions as I start welding the pans using shorter welds and cooling. Glad to see you have time to help out other FTE member.
Thanks for taking your time and responding to my post regarding pan replacement. I might try both methods and see which works bet for me. I will take your suggestions as I start welding the pans using shorter welds and cooling. Glad to see you have time to help out other FTE member.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 120
Likes: 9
Thanks, hairboxnoogle and HIO for advice given for the pan replacement for my project. I will start the pan replacement sometime after Christmas. I think that the 1/2" flange would be the quick and simple fix for the repair. HIO what part of Nor Cal are you located. I was just checking out your post on doing a truck build sequence in another post. It had a lot of good advice for FTE members planning a build. Since I'm new to the site what's the simplest way to attach photos and create a build thread for a project.
Thanks,
Matt
Thanks,
Matt
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 129
Likes: 1
From: Denver, Co
73 Crew please post some pics and tips as you go.
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Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,993
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From: Costa Mesa, CA
Go for a Whitney #5 punch off eBay. Those things are great for all sorts of stuff. They can often go for $50 or more but if you're a little patient & selective in your bidding you can get one for about $25 shipped! It's the one the HF is a cheap copy of. Got mine for about $25 delivered & I love it. I got some larger ones too that allow me to do 1/2" holes in 1/8" thick steel too. Use the heck outta those things.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 120
Likes: 9
Hey Chasetruck754,
I'm glad all you FTE Post fiends can help out the newcomers with some advice. I've been following your your 4 year crew cab cummins build thread. Congrats on the awsome build and fabrication work you do. I don't know how you can juggle all you do , work , shop time, FTE thread fiend and all into a one day . Thanks again to advice given.
I'm glad all you FTE Post fiends can help out the newcomers with some advice. I've been following your your 4 year crew cab cummins build thread. Congrats on the awsome build and fabrication work you do. I don't know how you can juggle all you do , work , shop time, FTE thread fiend and all into a one day . Thanks again to advice given.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,417
Likes: 32
I prefer but welds as well. It does however take a long time with a sanding wheel to get the gaps right. Anything over 1/16" is too much. It takes me a good long time to fit even small pieces. My standard of fit though is 1/32" or less. At 1/32" or less panels weld really easy. You have a lot less of a chance for the metal to melt away from you. Especially with a tig.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 15
From: Costa Mesa, CA
no problem man - that's what we're here for.
Unfortunately it's tough to get everything I want done and that's probably why my build has taken over 4 years now. Being recently married has made that even harder. One of these days though - I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!
Unfortunately it's tough to get everything I want done and that's probably why my build has taken over 4 years now. Being recently married has made that even harder. One of these days though - I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 120
Likes: 9
2002fx44122 - I checked prices with most the truck parts companies online and settled with LMC for cost and shipping. Pans were 39.95 each and only 18.75 shipped to my door in 3 days. I have not put Bronco graveyard into my favorites as of this time, but will put them into my favorites. Thanks for the lead on Bronco Graveyard.
co425 - Thanks for comments on how you would do the pan replacement.
co425 - Thanks for comments on how you would do the pan replacement.
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