Floorboard Rot.

[Jerry K.]

Just removed carpeting and found what I'm told is rot of the fiberglass just under the headlight dimmer switch( 2"x4") Also small rot patch on the trans. hump on the passenger side. It has to be repaired before putting the hushmat and new carpet in. How does this occur? Anyone else experience this; any ideas? Nothing in archives. Thanks.

[William C.]

Re: Floorboard Rot.

Picture? Might help understand what is happening.

[Mike M.]

Re: Floorboard Rot.

i've had c-2 and c-3 carcusses lay out in the fields for years and never seen fiberglass damage from the elements. i have seen softening of the fiberglass in the floorpans from previouis heat/flames. mike

[Rich P.]

Re: Floorboard Rot.

Heat and prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals is the usual cause. Add this to a resin poor area and you can get soft glass. Only proper repair is to remove and reglass

Rich

[Terry M.]

Re: Floorboard Rot.

I have been told that coolant left in the carpet from a leaking heater core can soften the fiberglass, but I fortunately have no first-hand experience.

[Jerry K.]

Re: Floorboard Rot.

I took a couple of photos , but you really can't see the softness which can be pushed down easily. Yes the areas have to be cut out and re-glassed I'm told. Five hours of labor at $90 per hr.

[Brian M.]

Re: Floorboard Rot.

Leaking M/C?

[Paul D.]

Re: Floorboard Rot.

I would try feathering the surrounding area and applying some mat and resin from the inside to see if it will restore floor rigidity. Be sure to use fiberglass mat ( not woven cloth ). You can get all you need for less than $30 at any home improvement store. If you are satisfied with the strength of the repair, then go underneath and see if blackout will hide your work or if more cosmetic work is required. Worst case is you will not be happy and end up taking it to a pro as you had planned to anyway, but I bet you will surprise yourself. Chip.

[Jerry K.]

Re: Floorboard Rot.

The prior owner did tell me that he lost the brakes a while back and then had a dual m.c. put in as replacement. I guess it could have been leaking for a while, but my shop guy says it would have to be leaking for years to do this rot.