Floor pans-guage metal

[trackz man]

Hey guys-

My son and I are restoring a 1962 f-85 convertible. The floor pans have small holes in a few places. I know aftermarket pans are non-existent?, so what is the best way to tackle replacing?. We will have the complete body sandblasted and then will primer-which leads to another question, which is the best primer to use when I get the vehicle back from sandblasting to keep the rust off while we do some body work to it?

I love all the input that I see in this sight.... Thanks for all responses-
Doug and Dalton

[csstrux]

You will want to get a decent self etching primer on there right away. I am using transstar on my project right now. It is a middle of the road product that according to my local body shop supply is a good competitively priced product for a hobbyist. I would contact your supplier and talk to them about what is available and workable for your budget and skill level.

[Dapapadon]

I take auto restoration classes at the local community college. The oldest hot rod/paint instructor says use 20 ga. for everything including floors and body panles. He said the orignal panels were 19 ga. and that the 20 ga. is easier to form than 18 ga. I don't think 19 ga. is available now. I use 20 ga. and it matches really close. The same instructor teaches the metal forming class. Hope this helps.

Don

[daves62]

wouldent floor pans out of a diffrent gm car fit

[joe_padavano]

Originally Posted by daves62

wouldent floor pans out of a diffrent gm car fit

The 61-63 "compacts" are based on the Corvair platform. I don't know if Corvair floorpans would be even close or if they are even available.

[csstrux]

Originally Posted by joe_padavano

The 61-63 "compacts" are based on the Corvair platform. I don't know if Corvair floorpans would be even close or if they are even available.

If I recall correctly the corvair pans are virtually flat, I doubt they would fit. Pontiac had that tourqe tube thing going, so I would GUESS that likely the buick would be the best bet might be stepping in it here cause I have never been in either the buick olds or the pontiac compacts of the era, and only looked at the vairs. Most of what I "know" about them is booklernin. Used to be a chubby guy. I guess I still sort of am, but really have grown fond of olds and buick.