I realize that aftermarket metal is not available for this vehicle(1962 Cutlass convertible), but wanted to inquire about what others think about replacing the floor pans and trunk pans. Is this something that a do it yourselfer can achieve with the correct guidance and time? Or is it something that would best be done by a sheet metal professional. As the metal will be covered by carpet and not too many people creep underneath a vehicle, how do we do this? We are wanting to make the car judge worthy. But achieving the correct flanges and floor pan-trunk pan design can be almost impossible, is that correct? Or has joe padavano with his 62 cutlass wagon replaced any sheetmetal yet-maybe his tips would be helpful.... Maybe there is a floor pan design out there that is very close and can be modified?

 

Yeah, see, that's the beauty of a Nevada desert car...

The only direct replacement floor pans and trunk pan are 61-63 F-85 or Buick Skylark. The bigger problem is, how are the sheet metal box frames that run from front to back, acting as the frame rails? If these are rusted, you have a structural problem that requires careful replacement with comparable metal.

Early Mustangs have this same problem, but repro parts are available for those cars. In your case, the best you can do is find good used panels from a place like Fremans Auto in Montana. I know they have a 62 wagon in the yard. The floor pans will work in your convertible.

http://www.fremansauto.com/

 

joe- thanks for the advice- I looked underneath at the unibody structure and it is solid. The car came from Northeastern California- Not too far away from the Nevada desert.

You know how convertibles are once the top rips or shreds that the water-mostly snow accumulates on the floor pans and rear quarters, therefore leading to a rust situation. Have you known of anyone fabricating these from sheet metal tools for a hobbyist? We are looking to do it ourselves, which time is on our side. Thanks for all your advice--

 

www.c2fabrication.com states that "they have no floorpans or trunk pans for the 61-63 Cutlass, tempest, buick specials because no one has been able to supply them with a good template to make them"

Thru many e-mails they have decided that if I can send them decent floor pans and trunk pans that will be able to make templates.

Has anyone had any service or dealt with this company? Could you supply feedback if so...

Thanks