Wait was Worth It

[Dusty Landrum]

So I finally stopped putting off something that has always bothered me about these cars. Every one I have owned has always had the crushed floor support beams and I hate how it looks. I myself didn’t know any better on my very first GS and did it with a jack too. SO, because I want the build to be clean and try to fix as much as I can I went ahead and tackled the passenger side today.

It’s a shit load of work but the end result is worth it. Probably in the top 10% of DSMs with non crushed runners now .

Next is grinding down welds and then paint!

 

[Mech Addict]

Nice. Mine has it on both sides, bit not at the end like yours. More midway. I thought if I was really gung-ho, I would cut the floor above it and try to hammer/ press it back in shape. Then weld the floor back over. It would be hidden by carpet and seats.
What led you to decide on your method?

 

[Dusty Landrum]

Nice. Mine has it on both sides, bit not at the end like yours. More midway. I thought if I was really gung-ho, I would cut the floor above it and try to hammer/ press it back in shape. Then weld the floor back over. It would be hidden by carpet and seats.
What led you to decide on your method?

I honestly just thought it was be the easiest and the best way. The bottom is 18ga but the sides seem to be thicker and waaay harder to get back in shape. I am not sure you would be able to just hammer it back out. It took me about 5hrs to get it as far as I did and it’s def not perfect but 103829% better than before haha. Lots of beating the crap out of it with body hammers and dollies behind.

Plus I am really trying to get better at welding and body work to it was good practice.

 

[Mech Addict]

Well it turned out good. I have welded a bit, and just bought my own first mig, a little 90amp from Eastwood that seems fine for body work. Fixing those beams is way down on my list for the gsx. I’m planning on some patch panels on my dodge, which are pretty stout. Hammers don’t have much effect on it, either.

 

[EC17PSE]

They all have a weird crease in them runners which i find was a weird install from mitsu! Perhaps its part of a crush / crumply zone for shocking but it seems to far back thus its a pure guess on that.

Mine are as stock thankfully and not crushed. I rarely use anything on that and if i do its not for long, mostly only if im doing suspension work and the arms need no loading on them as the axled stands normally go under the oem compression arm inner mount.

 

[Dusty Landrum]

They all have a weird crease in them runners which i find was a weird install from mitsu! Perhaps its part of a crush / crumply zone for shocking but it seems to far back thus its a pure guess on that.

Mine are as stock thankfully and not crushed. I rarely use anything on that and if i do its not for long, mostly only if im doing suspension work and the arms need no loading on them as the axled stands normally go under the oem compression arm inner mount.

Man, after I dented my first set of runners I will never use it for anything again. Since then I use the jack areas and if then using jack stands I jack up the car from the cross member or like you said, the control arm mounting spot. After seeing how much work it is to fix them I absolutely will never support anything from them either hahaha.

 

[Dusty Landrum]

Drivers side done. This side was way easier than the passenger side, mainly because it was not crunched as bad. Just glad to be done with it and happy with clean rails again!!

 

[92Turbski]

Hey, man, nice work!

 

[Jamminjamin]

Beautiful work. I tell myself I’m committed to go this deep, but it’s extremely impressive to see it actually being done! Looking forward to more progress pics!

 

[Dusty Landrum]

Beautiful work. I tell myself I’m committed to go this deep, but it’s extremely impressive to see it actually being done! Looking forward to more progress pics!

Thank you dude. Pumped at how well everything is turning out and the hard work is paying off. Don't be discouraged yourself though, just take some time and commit and it will all fall into place. If you ever have any questions or anything always feel free to reach out.

 

[Dusty Landrum]

So after probably 40+ hours under the car I FINALLY got the body down to where I am happy it’s ok to be treated. Wanting better than oem so just being really picky. New seam sealer on and just have to wait for it to fully cure.

Also finally got the old exhaust stud someone cut off, and a new one welded back on.

Exhaust stud .

 

[Dusty Landrum]

Now she is back in her second natural state, which is pushed over to the side with everything crammed around it . Supposed to snow tomorrow so the Tesla gets it’s spot in the garage back haha. Small compromise to be able to have the A87 after all.

 

[EC17PSE]

Wow thats alot of cleaning and prepping. Great work there! I never went that hardcore on the underside as mine was fairly decent so decided to not worry so much there but the wheel wells certainly needed it 100%! Its messy work but once done so rewarding knowing its going to last such a long time being coated and mostly better then oem did it

 

[bettfootball]

But what about the rust on the inside of the rails.... Welp. looks like you need to drill out all the spot welds and have everything blasted.

 

[DreamChaser7]

But what about the rust on the inside of the rails.... Welp. looks like you need to drill out all the spot welds and have everything blasted.

Internal Frame Coating-Eastwood

 

[Dusty Landrum]

Internal Frame Coating-Eastwood

I used this on my first restoration. Stuff is really good but makes a huge mess if your not careful . Face shield is a must as well haha. He’s really poking fun at me because my build is cleaner than his! Hahahaha.

 

[DreamChaser7]

I used this on my first restoration. Stuff is really good but makes a huge mess if your not careful . Face shield is a must as well haha. He’s really poking fun at me because my build is cleaner than his! Hahahaha.

I hope to compete with that notion.
Gonna start working on undercarriage this weekend now that I figured how to get her on the rotisserie.

 

[Dusty Landrum]

The process is complete!! From start to finish is about a week and a half haha. Enjoy!


Here is the starting point

Here is after 3-5 hours of degreaser, parts cleaning brush and a tooth brush..

Sanding and wire wheel for hours and hours and hours and hours..

Spray seams as extra protection, let that dry and put new seam sealer on EVERY seam. Even those that did not have it from the factory originally.

Self etching primer, followed by normal primer

Final coat of rubber coating and done!

 

[MacMarty15221]

Wow, that's dedication!

Please tell me, what brand/product did you use for the "rubber coating"?

 

[CrackedDSM]

Jesus. What dedication. Looks incredible.

 

[Dusty Landrum]

Wow, that's dedication!

Please tell me, what brand/product did you use for the "rubber coating"?

Sure dude, it’s the rustoleum brand rubber undercoating but it’s the PROFESSIONAL grade. There is actually a difference in quality. Tried the normal and it did not hold up well or give as good coverage as the pro grade. I am attaching the link on Amazon for a 6 banger.

Rust-Oleum 248656 Professional Grade Undercoating Spray, 15 Ounce (Pack of 6), Black, 90 Ounce https://a.co/d/7bfZsTf

 

[DreamChaser7]

Looking great! There's so many tiny corners on my 1g chassis that no matter what I use I can't get it down to shiny metal like that in areas. Gonna have to call it good at some point and let the Rust Encapsulator Platinum (Eastwood) take up the slack, .

 

[Dusty Landrum]

Looking great! There's so many tiny corners on my 1g chassis that no matter what I use I can't get it down to shiny metal like that in areas. Gonna have to call it good at some point and let the Rust Encapsulator Platinum (Eastwood) take up the slack, .

Totally understand with the corners and stuff man. I used the straight bristle wire wheels for the corners. Put a zip tie around the bristles and it keeps them together and focused in one spot. I even go as far as to use a Dremel tiny wire wheel to slowly work at them too. Overkill, absolutely. But one and done haha. You are right about the Eastwood too dude, stuff is amazing and works really well. Makes a huge mess though .

 

[DreamChaser7]

Totally understand with the corners and stuff man. I used the straight bristle wire wheels for the corners. Put a zip tie around the bristles and it keeps them together and focused in one spot. I even go as far as to use a Dremel tiny wire wheel to slowly work at them too. Overkill, absolutely. But one and done haha. You are right about the Eastwood too dude, stuff is amazing and works really well. Makes a huge mess though .

Good idea with the zip tie imma hafta try that. Yah I’ve got an arsenal of different stuff I’m switching between, have to take a pic with it all laid out for comedic value. I’m a firm believer in the overkill!
Keep up the good work

 

[Dusty Landrum]

Good idea with the zip tie imma hafta try that. Yah I’ve got an arsenal of different stuff I’m switching between, have to take a pic with it all laid out for comedic value. I’m a firm believer in the overkill!
Keep up the good work

Hahaha did the same thing couple years ago with my first build!

Few things missing but that’s the majority of it.