JustinOlson Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 I'm going to be replacing the floor boards in my Datsun 280z. I found a picture showing basically what I'm planning on doing. I was hoping for some input from you guys on what gauge sheet metal to use. I'm going to have a local sheet metal shop make the part in all one piece to save me time and hassle. I was planning on using 1" x 2" x .083" square tubing for the frame rail replacement. Would anyone be interested in the sheetmetal portion to replace the floor pans if I had a run of them produced. I'm going to get price quotes from the sheet metal shop once I have the drawings finished for these parts. Regards, Justin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z-TARD Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 The factory sheetmetal is pretty thin, like 20 or 22 gauge. I'd go a little thicker just to be safe, like 18 or 16 gauge. The weight increase will be minimal, probably only a few pounds, but the increase in strength will be pretty significant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustinOlson Posted February 2, 2008 Author Share Posted February 2, 2008 I honestly don't want to do 16gauge. I think that is going to be to thick. I'm thinking 18ga since I won't have any ribs in the sheetmetal (it will all be flat and in a single place). Justin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mull Posted February 4, 2008 Share Posted February 4, 2008 Just make sure to get em bead rolled. I could't find one with a deep enough throat to make decent grooves in the floor pans (which will be compensated in other ways). Just an idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustinOlson Posted February 4, 2008 Author Share Posted February 4, 2008 Yeah, I've been eyeing this eastwood bead roller: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMB3x6bHffg I'm not sure if I will be buying it in time. I am going to add the replacement frame rail (I think 1 X 3 is more common) and some 1 X 2 seat brackets. That should make things plenty strong I would think. Justin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RB26powered74zcar Posted February 4, 2008 Share Posted February 4, 2008 Yeah, I've been eyeing this eastwood bead roller: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMB3x6bHffg Justin Thats a sweet little tool for one to have in their tool box I'll have to dig into that a little further... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustinOlson Posted February 4, 2008 Author Share Posted February 4, 2008 Just a word of warning, this roller doesn't work well on tubing. Justin Thats a sweet little tool for one to have in their tool box I'll have to dig into that a little further... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Titus_RacerX Posted February 4, 2008 Share Posted February 4, 2008 We've got an Eastwood bead roller that is crank driven. It's best used with a helper to either turn the crank or move the metal, but it works great! We also have their big sheet metal brake and another manufacturers tubing bender and another's rotisserie. I don't play with these tools too often, but they are going to come in handy when I finish stripping my 240Z shell and start replacing the floor pans. I plan on using ZedFindings pans but might add some extra rolls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedEvilrps13 Posted February 4, 2008 Share Posted February 4, 2008 if you can get em made for a 280Z 2+2....i'd be interested..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustinOlson Posted July 23, 2008 Author Share Posted July 23, 2008 Bump this back up. Should I do 18ga or 16ga? Justin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rturbo 930 Posted August 7, 2008 Share Posted August 7, 2008 I got 18ga sheet to replace my floors. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoNkEyT88 Posted August 7, 2008 Share Posted August 7, 2008 I used 18ga sheet metal. 1 4x8' sheet worked for both floors, and a bunch left over. Also, I used 1x3" sq tubing, I forget what thickness. Not very thick to keep the weight down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustinOlson Posted August 8, 2008 Author Share Posted August 8, 2008 Is 1" X 2" 14ga(0.083") tubing ok for replacing the frame rails in this application? Would I be better going to a 1"X3"? Regards, Justin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaTTSuN Posted August 9, 2008 Share Posted August 9, 2008 hey monkeyt88 love your work bench haha does that thing have a roof on it it looks rely close to the wall Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DStegs Posted October 1, 2011 Share Posted October 1, 2011 Hey guys, I hear ya talkin about replacing floor pans in a 280Z. Mine is a 2+2. I got a 4X8 sheet of 18 guage, had it wacked to give me 2 2X6 foot sections. I also got 2 6 foot sections of 1 x 3 rectangular tubing in 16 Guage for the frame "rails" for under the floor. In working with the floors in your cars, what is the length of the floor from where the front bends up to the back where it meets the verticle section behind the seats. I have mine measured at 56 inches. I am wondering if it is the same length as the coupe, with the difference in coupe vs 2+2 being the section behind the verticle section. If so, would the floor pans be the same? Just curious because I know that no one makes a 2+2 floor pan and I had thought about getting a coupe floor pan from one of the companies that came up when I googled it, and adding the section to make it long enough for a 2+2. I see that most of the comments were made 3 years ago so if anyone is still watching this site, let me know. Please respond. Thanks. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duragg Posted October 22, 2011 Share Posted October 22, 2011 (edited) When I did my floorboards and rails and extensions on my 240 I bought them from some guy (in Canada?). Like a chooch I figured they would fit, but weren't even close. I think beating out your own will be perfect. I left my tranny cross member in place to help with alignment. Tack welded the entire frame while I was in there. Can't wait to see pictures. Edited October 22, 2011 by duragg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kellysautosport Posted November 12, 2011 Share Posted November 12, 2011 i just wanted to give you guys a thumbs up on your floors and frame rails. I am using either 18 or 20g if i use 20 im gonna bead roll it, and i have 2x3 that i am making my frame rails from as they are actually gonna run through the floor so that you only see an inch or less under the car. nice work guys. also Justin if you get floor made keep us posted please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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