I'm looking for some guidance on replacing floor pans on my 1980. I stripped the floors and found corrosion that went clean through. I see that new pans are available. Can anyone point me in the right direction as far as literature for the best procedure for the job and the best place to purchase new pans? I hate to start this task in the dark knowing its probably a common job. Thanks!!
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Re: 1980 Floor Pan Replacement
Unfortunately it's a common problem you are experiencing however "most" 1980 Corvettes with this problem are not worth the labor trouble or monetary expense to make this repair. Give this fact serious consideration before you make the decision to repair your car. As much as most folks hate to hear this, you may be better off with a fiberglass patch over the holes, undercoat on the bottom of the car to hide your cheating, new carpet and then sell this car quick! If your car is this rusty in the floor pans, its rusty in other places you have not found yet!!!!
This job is actually no different that installing replacement floor pans in a Chevelle, Camaro, Mustang or any other car. Any competent body technician that does sheetmetal work should be able to complete this repair. Since the floor pan is metal your could also give it a go yourself if you have welding/cutting experience. As is always the case, this job WILL turn into a much bigger project than you expect.
Although I have not checked, I would expect there is only one manufacturer of replacement pans and several resellers or this part. Maybe someone else will chime in and confirm.
Do not let sentiment get in the way of the proper decision concerning this repair. Selling the car may be a better strategy than repair. There are far to many non rusty/good 1980 model Corvettes out there are cheap to reasonable prices to even consider this repair. Most rusty 1980 Corvettes turn into parts cars. Sorry for the bleak outlook but you did ask for opinions! -
Re: 1980 Floor Pan Replacement
Tony
I fixed a 80 that the pan on the drivers side was rusted. I put a patch on the inside with the corners rolled up about one inch. I sealed it down and from the underside it looked good and the new carpet covered up the patch. I molded a flat piece of sheet metal as all the rot was in the bottom of the pan. I used pop rivets to install the new floor pan.
LyleLyle
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Re: 1980 Floor Pan Replacement
Tony,found the floor pans in my Paragon cat page 116, $259 each. Cat#6509 left, #6508 right. There is a picture of them, and it doesn't look like that bad of a job. They say to leave enough of the original metal to weld to. I think I have seen them in the Corvette Central cat also, but I couldn't find them with a quick scan. A younger guy I know had them put in his '76 and is very satisified. And no I don't work for Paragon or Corvette Central.Comment
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Re: 1980 Floor Pan Replacement
Ideally, if you do a patch repair. Use an automtive style panel adheisive and rivets. It won't leak or break loose. Use a high quality shaker can primer and primer the surfaces (weld through primer or similar) before glue and rivets. That is how I would approach it if I was doing a patch repair. I would not weld it unless I was very skilled in mig-welding, etc. Take care, TerryComment
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