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 SeatInnerCracked.JPG | Hits: 2584 | Size: 73.92 KB | Posted on: 5/12/07 | Link to this image
This broken mount is the first visible indication of a floor problem.
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I'm planning on swapping transmissions soon anyway, so I pulled the seats & console to check out the floor.
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The wrinkles in the center indicate the slight difference in the floorpan contour between this '82 body tub & the '94(?) floor cover. Based on a TSB & a recall, I think the change occurred in '90.
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My first attempt at a repair (when I installed the body ~10 years ago) didn't last because I didn't overlap the floor structure. I just welded up the cracks & added a small plate for the bolt hole.
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Fortunately, there's no other damage. All the yellow foam remnants are from the residential carpet pad I originally used before finding the later-model floor cover.
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The large plate described in this TSB & FSA is still available for ~$60ea:
...but I decided I'd rather try to make my own.
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After a few hours of beating, grinding, & bending, this is what I came up with.
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It fits pretty well, and I think it'll be solid enough to last longer than the truck.
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I'm planning on getting it welded from below first, to hold everything in place, then I'll remove the seat so the top edges can be tacked down.
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That's as close as I can get it, and all the edges are clean, top & bottom.
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There's some gap at the front edge, but not bad considering I was only using a 5" vise & a few ball peen hammers.
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This end is a little worse than the front, but I'm tired of fighting it.
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The guy told me he wasn't good with overhead welding, so this is better than I expected. In any case, it's better than I could have done, and MUCH better than before.
...and the price was right, considering the truck's condition.
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He got something done on the rusted-out corner.
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The top looks better than I expected.
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That ought to last. Certainly long enough for a few trail rides.
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Floor Repair Seat Base
