Close



Results 1 to 9 of 9
  1. #1

    Default Why are there floor pan plugs?

    After restoring my '82 and seeing rust that accumulated around the rubber plugs, it begs the question, "Why even have them?"

    The fit seems so tight that it doesn't look like water would really drain from them. Then, it just creates another crevice for rust to form. Would it be better to just weld over that area when I replace the current rust?

    I'm sure there's logic behind it, but looking at my rusted pan, it's not that clear to me.

  2. #2

    Default

    This is just a guess, but I always assumed the holes where used to like up panels on the machines during building / assembly of the unibody. I see no harm in welding over them, but I see no harm in leaving them be either. If they have a little rust I would clean and paint around them with POR-15. Other than that, weld away!

  3. #3

    Default

    I thought they were for popping out when your car gets water in it.
    Brad

    '79 Mercury Zephyr ES 5.0L GT40 EFI, T-5
    '17 Ford Focus ST
    '14 Ford Fusion SE Manual

  4. #4
    FEP Super Member webestang's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    St. Louis, MO.
    Posts
    5,208

    Default

    My guess is those plugs were originally there to allow spot welders access to areas they wouldn't be able to get to and to provide an area for the factory sealant to drip out of the car after they dipped it.

    Scotty
    1985 Fox Notch 4-banger Ranger tube header Eastwood Royal Blue
    1988 Fox LX 5.0 AOD Vert BBK 170mph speedo Candy Apple Red
    1999 Mustang Coupe V6 Auto Chrome Yellow -Daily Driver.
    Past Pony's.....
    68 Coupe Inline-6 3-Speed-Man. Primer
    78 II Hatch 302 3-Speed-Auto Sunroof Black
    81 4-Eye Coupe 4-Banger 4-Speed-Man. White

  5. #5
    FEP Power Member Ourobos's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    Waikoloa , Hawaii
    Posts
    1,879

    Default

    Same reason you have all those holes on the inner fenders and firewalls.. Assembly..
    1986 CHP SSP Coupe

  6. #6
    FEP Super Member gr79's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    SE Michigan
    Posts
    5,141

    Default

    Here is a pic from DAP showing a conveyor fixture pin sticking up out of a floorpan hole:
    Name:  floor pans 3-dearborn-assmebly-plant-floor-pans.jpg
Views: 159
Size:  62.4 KB
    Last edited by gr79; 08-13-2018 at 04:15 PM.

  7. #7

    Default

    Intersting. Ok, thanks everyone. Sounds like there is no reason why I wouldn't want to just weld over a hole or two if the area has rust.

  8. #8
    FEP Senior Member rodster's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Allentown, PA
    Posts
    716

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by gr79 View Post
    Here is a pic from DAP showing a conveyor fixture pin sticking up out of a floorpan hole:
    Interesting picture... thanks for sharing!

  9. #9
    FEP Super Member gr79's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    SE Michigan
    Posts
    5,141

    Default

    Your welcome.

    As drain holes, more suited for uncarpeted jeeps.
    If they pop out under carpet and pad, no way to know unless checked.
    Let water and dirt in to ruin things, especially after many years.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •