TheSamba.com :: View topic - Replacing Cargo Floor With Skid-Plate

Wed Oct 23, 2002 10:35 am

Has anyone tried this? I'm thinking that once I've removed the cargo floors, that it would look really neat to install the diamond plate or anti-skid tread plate in its place. Anyone have thought on this? Would it work?

Wed Oct 23, 2002 11:42 am

please don't do it. the aesthetic is way off. that stuff belongs on monster trucks. if you must, if you can't stop yourself, replace the cargo floors first, then attach the diamond plate to the cargo floor. i think no matter how you do it, you'll have a problem with the gauge/thickness of the metal.

Wed Oct 23, 2002 4:21 pm

I wholly agree with the above...early major modifications were excusable in that people in the 50s, 60s, 70s had no idea what splitties would be worth forty years up the road (I use the word "worth" to describe aesthetics more than dollar value). True, what you propose is reversable, but should you go to sell your bus up the road, I expect it would greatly decrease the value (as in dollars).

Wed Oct 23, 2002 4:28 pm

With enough effort anything will work,but would you like the end result? It's your bus, but I wouldn't do it.

Wed Oct 23, 2002 4:36 pm

the original "ribbed" floors added mutch torsional rigidity to the whole vehicle. care should be taken when replacing the floor.im afraid if not done properly that using a flat type metal for floor replacement may really screw with your rig. ie. your doors may not shut properly etc.

Wed Oct 23, 2002 4:58 pm

i agree with kafer, the floors add tons of strength that diamond plate would not.

Wed Oct 23, 2002 5:56 pm

kafer, are you and the cs bus going to the bulli brigade? i'm about to start workin me arse off to get my latest "project" together for the run.