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Floorpan Paint/topcoat?

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by FinoCJ, Nov 19, 2022.

  1. Nov 19, 2022
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    Jul 18, 2013
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    As I wrap up the transmission cover on the 58, thinking about cleaning up the floorpans that have some sort of paint/coating and a bit of minor rust under it that should clean up quite nicely to good metal. Do not see any significant rot/rust holes that will need cut out and patched. When i got it, it had the traditional willys rubber mat over padding that I tore out - it was pretty dry rotted and wasted. I don't really want to go back to that (although there are aftermarket replacements), and would rather keep it pretty simple, but durable and not slippery to snow covered boots. So, after hitting it with the wire wheel etc, and getting it cleaned up to good metal etc, I am looking at 3 options:

    1) Standard auto body primer and paint - sprayed from can, although I'd be open to rolling if possible thinking that it might be a bit more durable? The inside of the cj5 tub is standard auto paint, and its pretty durable, but the section of floorpan I replaced and spray painted with FLAPS auto paint is NOT very durable. Without any covering, it wears right off with muddy, gritty dirty boots etc. I don't have an interest to carpet at this time, but I might eventually cut some outdoor carpet to fit and hold it in place with snaps - this is sort of what I got in the cj5 and it does help protect the auto paint - but it still shows abrasive wear. And finally, this does absolutely nothing in terms of noise and heat insulation. Kind

    2) Doing a POR15 rust coating and top coat....I think this should be plenty durable as its used on frames, but just want to make sure. I think this would provide an attractive and durable surface - albeit maybe a bit slippery - but could cover that with easily removeable rubber work mats cut to fit (like Roy uses). Also, I gather the base/rust coat doesn't love bonding to fresh metal (like the transmission cover) even when roughed up and their metal prep is used. This is also the most labor intensive method, but probably sets up best for a range of future opens whether leaving as is or eventually carpet. Other than labor intensive, the only other big concern is sound and heat insulation. I am wondering if the two step coating process adds any significant sound and temp insulation?

    3) Bedliner type coating....I know this stuff is pretty hated around here, and I do understand that if it ever needs to be removed, its disastrous. But I also like its use on floorpans and tub interiors for a combination of not slippery, durable, sound insulation and more finished appearance when used as the final exposed surface covering. Years ago, I stripped out my cj7 tub, cleaned it to bare metal and then had the entire interior of the tub 'bedlined' professionally (nothing on the exterior - just interior), and absolutely loved it. Noise reduction and functionality were amazing! I've always wanted to do the same to the cj5, but there is more rust repair on the passenger floorpan that needs to be done first. Yes, overtime, the color fades a bit, and it never looks spotless, shiny clean, but its usually covered in muddy boots anyway. I've done a truck bed with the DIY Herculiner stuff from FLAPS, and its pretty easy to do with a roller, and you can control the amount of grit - in this case would keep the grit to a minimum.

    Just thinking aloud....
     
    Fireball likes this.
  2. Nov 19, 2022
    Oldpappy

    Oldpappy A.C. Fults - Curmudgeon at large 2022 Sponsor

    East Tennessee
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    If there is any active rust left on the floor pan, and it is almost impossible to get rid of all of it, I would not go with the bedliner. That stuff with rust bubbling up under it can become a nightmare.

    I have used the POR 15 on rusty metal, with a topcoat of paint on several things and it makes a pretty tough finish, but I haven't tried in on floors.
     
  3. Nov 19, 2022
    Stakebed

    Stakebed Member

    Lake Co....
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    Aug 2, 2022
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    656
    I used Rustoleum 2 part epoxy bed liner on the floors of my stakebed. For same reasons as you, it seemed applicable. I wanted a non-slip floor, easy to clean, durable, rust resistant, etc. 2 years later, the coating remains intact. I also used the contents on my '85 GMC tailgate. Two years of weather, sun, rain, abuse and it is intact.

    Be aware, Rustoleum sells one part and two part coatings. The two part is activated and very durable. But, once you activate the bag, you have to use all of the material.
     
  4. Nov 19, 2022
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    Nov 22, 2003
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    I POR'd the floor with the aluminum stuff they sell to fill in rust pits. Topcoated with regular primer applied just as the POR got to dry/tacky & applied a good quality polyurethane auto paint (Nason Full-Thane)- it's holding up very well with out any mats.; if it does deteriorate it's fast & easy to fix it up.
     
  5. Nov 19, 2022
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
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    Jen suggested, what about using POR15 rust base layer and top coating with a more traditional bedliner instead of POR15 paint....best of both worlds, or disaster waiting to happen?
     
  6. Nov 19, 2022
    tomasinator

    tomasinator Member

    Redmond, WA
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    Aug 26, 2015
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    Didn't ITLKSEZ use Rustoleum tractor paint from Tractor Supply for all the gray parts of his jeep (rollbar, bumpers, everywhere but the body)? That paint has proved very durable so far. I bet it would work well for the floor pans.
     
  7. Nov 19, 2022
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
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    To be fair, my only complaint with the bed liner was having to deal with it when pulling up the floorboards and modifying them. It's been great otherwise in the '71.

    If they had taken the floorboards up and did them individually I wouldn't have had to cut them out. That would have made life a lot better.

    As others have noted, the bedliner was pulling up in a couple spots where there was untreated rust underneath.
     
    Stakebed likes this.
  8. Nov 19, 2022
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    You'd have t experiment to make sure the bedliner will stick to cured por- not much does.
     
  9. Nov 19, 2022
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    POR makes topcoats to go over their base rust prevention....how do they get that to stick? POR makes a bed liner they say can be put over the base, but not clear what's done to prep the base.
    https://por15.com/products/oem-bed-liner
    POR-15 truck bed liner is a low-odor product that can be cleaned with soap and water and does not have a limiting pot life. POR-15 OEM Bed Liner also has good sound dampening qualities, making it a good choice for soundproofing. Any unused product can be resealed in its container and used later for touch-up or on other projects. For the ultimate rust protection and impact resistance, use the 3-Step Stop Rust System and apply over POR-15 Rust Preventive Coating.
    Lots of online discuss if putting bed liner over POR base when it's tacky like you suggested....lot of people like it, but not much comment on long term adhesion, and internet comments may not be worth much anyway.
     
  10. Nov 19, 2022
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    Nov 22, 2003
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    I've heard of the tie coat primer it but rattle can primer is a lot cheaper & works just as well if you apply it at the right time. I've used the chassis top coat but not a fan of how well it comes out.

    The bed liner looks interesting but unless you like black you still have to paint it afterwards.
     
  11. Nov 19, 2022
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    If I paint it, I'll paint it black
     
  12. Nov 19, 2022
    Jw60

    Jw60 Sitting up n buckled down. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Sedalia MO.
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    There ain't no better song about painting wheels.
    :rockn:

    I used rusty metal primer on my interior though, with a top coat of rusty metal primer.
     
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  13. Nov 19, 2022
    bigjohn

    bigjohn Active Member

    Kelso Wa
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    I like them por15 topcoated with a quality bed liner. I rolled the parts store bedliner in the 75’s tub and it’s one of the worst automotive things I’ve done. It immediately faded, abrasive, attracts dirt and mud and has not proved durable. The raptor bedliner I sprayed in my old 81 Datsun diesel d21 bed sprayed on nice and even, more like a professional product. I’d recommend that or maybe even lineX?
     
  14. Nov 19, 2022
    Rich M.

    Rich M. Shoe salesman 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Maryland
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    :susp:
     
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  15. Nov 20, 2022
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
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    brush on Rust-Oleum in can , but I am a nothing fancy type of guy
    of course it's semi gloss black :D
     
    Fireball likes this.
  16. Nov 20, 2022
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    A bit rustic, but aluminized tar "mobile home" roof coating is great for rust protection and is very durable. Brushes on over anything and drys to a dull grayish color. It is my go-to for anyplace where looks are secondary.
     
  17. Nov 24, 2022
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

    exploring the...
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    my 2c I dont like por if there is a tiny hole in the finish water gets in and creeps under the paint layer. Ive peeled it off of a whole truck frame in big wet goopy sheets. inside Raptor or als spray liner,under cheap black paint and fluid film or nh oil undercoat
     
  18. Nov 25, 2022
    wingless

    wingless New Member

    Florida
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    Oct 13, 2022
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    When I was preparing my Ensign Blue 9T vehicle for new carpeting, after I removed the old carpeting, there were floor pan places w/o paint that were shiny smooth steel and other spots that had minor pitting, such as in the ribbed channels.

    Those places were all sanded and then everything w/o paint was painted w/ Rustoleum Professional High Performance Enamel Spray paint in Royal Blue.

    As shown in the image there is an expected shade difference between Ensign Blue and Royal Blue, but everything is covered w/ the new carpeting.


    [​IMG]
     
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