1973 Floor Protection

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Nov 23, 2006 | 03:32 PM

ellsdemon

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1973 Floor Protection

I have just purchased a 1973 Explorer F100, I am going to be working on restoring it for some time to come. I have a question regarding protecting the floor from the leaks coming from seals and the surface rust that exists all ready. It doesn't have any major cancer, but I'm going to be working on the more important items first, engine, trans, etc..., and I would like to protect the floor from rusting out. Is there something I can paint on like a heavy sealent, tar kind of thing. I will prep it in a professional matter, but I am just wondering if there is a product that can help me while a spend time on the more important things first.

Thanks
Jason

Nov 23, 2006 | 03:53 PM

StarTrash

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From: belton mo

my uncle rhino coated the underneath on the floor pan.which is where is normally starts..im thinkin about doing it to my 79

Nov 23, 2006 | 03:56 PM

arctic y block

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From: Island Southeast Alaska

Ospho at hardware store. Not sure I spelled it right but the navy been using it since WWII

Nov 23, 2006 | 04:35 PM

Mr. Fixit

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From: Vancouver, Canada

Of course, you can paint/spray on a 'rubberized' material under there but I have used POR15 paint to stop/seal any rust first. I power-brushed and hand sanded the rusty areas, then metal prepped to kill any remaining rust - this leaves a phosphate coating. Next, sealed with POR15 seam sealer ($15 per tube) any gaps - dries rock hard. Now I brushed on 2 coats of silver or black POR15 chassis paint. (Don't get this stuff on your hands/face the day before going to a fancy dinner party with the Mrs.!). Finally I sprayed on the rubberized coating only where rocks could be thrown up by the wheels. It should last a long time.
The advantage of not covering everywhere with a rubber coating is you can see where rust is starting up again. Rubber coatings, I have found, tend to cover everything up for years before you realize what is actually going on at the metal surface... Just my 5 cents...

Nov 23, 2006 | 08:06 PM

MisterCMK

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From: Blue Hill Township

Use POR15 on the underside. Make sure that you clean off any loose rust and any grease on the underside otherwise the POR15 won't adhere properly. Seal up any leaks or seams before you use the POR15 though.