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Author Topic: cutting out rusted floors  (Read 2557 times)

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Offline ToniJ1960

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cutting out rusted floors
« on: September 29, 2011, 06:26:09 PM »
 Can anyone suggest the best way to cut the rust areas from the floor before adding in new sheet metal?

I dont have a sawzall or reciprocating saw,I found one at harbor freight,well a few. I would have to use an extension cord,so I dont want to go to 6 or 8 amps.I think the one they have that they call a body saw,is 5.5 amps.

I do have a rotozip and I could get a metal cutting bit for it, has anyone tried that? If it can cut siding Im sure it could cut the rusted sheet metal parts.

I also have a dremel,but I suspect that would be time consuming,and Im not sure what attachment to get for it to try that.

Offline Pinto5.0

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Re: cutting out rusted floors
« Reply #1 on: September 29, 2011, 07:42:28 PM »
Personally I would use an air powered cut-off wheel to blow through it but if you have to stay electric then a 4" or 4 1/2" grinder with a cut-off wheel is my 2nd favorite.
 
Every episode of American Chopper showed a fender being cut this way.
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Offline TIGGER

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Re: cutting out rusted floors
« Reply #2 on: September 29, 2011, 11:51:51 PM »
I used a 4" grinder to cut out the floors in my crusing wagon.  It is not the fastest but it worked.  A sawzall works good too but I have a harder time keeping it straight.
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Offline dave1987

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Re: cutting out rusted floors
« Reply #3 on: September 30, 2011, 01:41:06 AM »
When I do the driver side floor on my 78, I will be using a 4" grinder with a thin cutting wheel. Works great for the thin sheet metal of Pintos!
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Offline russosborne

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Re: cutting out rusted floors
« Reply #4 on: September 30, 2011, 04:12:08 PM »
don't  ask how I know, but for the parts that aren't reinforced, you can use a pair of tin snips. Not saying you should, but you could.
Otherwise, a grinder with a cutoff wheel is best, either electrical or air.

Why don't you want to go with an extension cord for 6-8 amps? Get one that has 12gauge wire, and keep it as short as possible(i.e. don't use a 50 foot cord to go 6 feet) and you won't have any problems.

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Offline ToniJ1960

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Re: cutting out rusted floors
« Reply #5 on: October 01, 2011, 12:54:57 AM »
 Thats the main reason,the length the cord will have to be. I dont have a garage just a driveway in the back of my house.And I live on the second floor,but can probably get permission to use the first floor hookup.

 Wonder if a cutoff wheel on a dremel will work just take a little time.

Offline TIGGER

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Re: cutting out rusted floors
« Reply #6 on: October 01, 2011, 02:04:55 AM »
Wonder if a cutoff wheel on a dremel will work just take a little time.

Unless they have changed in the last 15 years, I think it will take a ton of cutoff wheels using a dremel.  In my opinion, you are better off going to harbor freight and picking up a cheap grinder and discs.
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Offline Pinto5.0

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Re: cutting out rusted floors
« Reply #7 on: October 01, 2011, 12:31:46 PM »
Unless they have changed in the last 15 years, I think it will take a ton of cutoff wheels using a dremel.  In my opinion, you are better off going to harbor freight and picking up a cheap grinder and discs.

I second that. A Dremel wont work. Personally I have never burned up a WalMart 100' extension cord no matter how badly I abused it & misused it but if you're sweatin the amps invest in a contractor grade 100' cord from Sears & have at it.
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Offline ToniJ1960

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Re: cutting out rusted floors
« Reply #8 on: October 06, 2011, 11:58:45 PM »
 ok what about this saw? It looks to me as if it should work

http://www.ebay.com/itm/KAWASAKI-BLACK-19-2V-CORDLESS-RECIPROCATING-SAW-FREE-SHIPPING-/280742619003?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item415d90677b

 I pulled up the carpet on the passenger side and its worse than the drivers side :( I thought it wasnt as bad until I looked at it better. Its rusted through the center of the part where the front seat goes, right down the middle. The outer part isnt real strong,but the inner half is strong. And unrusted well past the inside edge. Im thinking of just adding in a cross member type piece of metal from the inside part to the outside,spanning over the rusted center. Then adding sheet metal on top of it. I know Im going to have to make one hole for the seat to bolt through. Will I need to remove the rectangular piece of metal that goes under the floor and around the bolt and reuse that?

Offline D.R.Ball

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Re: cutting out rusted floors
« Reply #9 on: October 07, 2011, 06:18:26 PM »
We need a good picture of the damage. The saw should work, just make sure you have metal cutting blades.BTW Mustang II floor pans are still being made, they will need cutting down to fit but would be a good starting point to work from instead of flat steel.

Offline dave1987

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Re: cutting out rusted floors
« Reply #10 on: October 08, 2011, 12:35:15 AM »
I used a craftsman brand reciprocating saw to cut out a pan from a Pinto at the junk yard and it worked well. The only issue is getting through the sub frame. You will need to drill out the spot welds along the sub frame to separate it.

Be sure to drop the fuel and brake lines from the sub frame before cutting, those are the LAST things you want to cut through by accident!
1978 Ford Pinto Sedan - Family owned since new

Remembering Jeff Fitcher with every drive in my 78 Sedan.

I am a Pinto Surgeon. Fixing problems and giving Pintos a chance to live again is more than a hobby, it's a passion!