Seat box repair

[jumbofordman]

So last time we were out my driver's seat pedestal pulled loose from the seat box it attaches to. We turned it a bit, screwed it back to the floor, and the screws were already coming loose again when we trailered up.

So today I tried repositioning the seat again, and when I leaned back the entire fiberglass top of the seat box pulled loose. I got out my saw and finished off the job to discover the previous repairer has just screwed a new piece of plywood to the older rotten base and glassed over the whole thing.

Here's pics of what's left:





The fiberglass that remains seems solidly attached to the floor, so my thoughts are:

• Bond a new piece of plywood (2 layers thick) fit down inside the remaining fiberglass and sitting on the lower lever shelf that is still there.
• Rough up the sides.
• Fiberglass over the top and down the sides.

My questions are:

1. Polyester or epoxy? I already have some polyester on hand.
2. Do I need to remove some floor carpet and bond it to the floor, too?

I'd like to get this done by Friday so I can go out this weekend!

 

[Rob B]

So last time we were out my driver's seat pedestal pulled loose from the seat box it attaches to. We turned it a bit, screwed it back to the floor, and the screws were already coming loose again when we trailered up.

So today I tried repositioning the seat again, and when I leaned back the entire fiberglass top of the seat box pulled loose. I got out my saw and finished off the job to discover the previous repairer has just screwed a new piece of plywood to the older rotten base and glassed over the whole thing.

Here's pics of what's left:





The fiberglass that remains seems solidly attached to the floor, so my thoughts are:

• Bond a new piece of plywood (2 layers thick) fit down inside the remaining fiberglass and sitting on the lower lever shelf that is still there.
• Rough up the sides.
• Fiberglass over the top and down the sides.

My questions are:

1. Polyester or epoxy? I already have some polyester on hand.
2. Do I need to remove some floor carpet and bond it to the floor, too?

I'd like to get this done by Friday so I can go out this weekend!

Poly will be fine if you got it on hand, and I would pull the carpet back and glass the new piece to floor.

 

[redstrat]

Poly will be fine if you got it on hand, and I would pull the carpet back and glass the new piece to floor.

agreed X2

 

[jumbofordman]

Poly will be fine if you got it on hand, and I would pull the carpet back and glass the new piece to floor.

How far should I pull it back?

 

[Rob B]

How far should I pull it back?

Probably a foot beyond the seat pedestal or enough to sand/grind around it. I would glass about 6" from the pedestal to the floor all four sides. Lay some mat over the top slit the four corners for it to lay down. Then glass in place.

 

[Jetmate]

Or pull all the carpet, Looks ruff anyway, and glass in a complete new box. Use 2x4's or 6's for the sides and 2 layers 3/4 in ply for the top and you'll never have to worry about it. Inexpensive indoor/outdoor carpet works great if you decide to replace it.

 

[jumbofordman]

Or pull all the carpet

Not hap'n, Cap'n; at least this year Looks worse than it is, I just did a quick vacuum to get the big stuff, plus I was planning on doing the seats/interior next year after I finish my Jeep this year.

I got the plywood measured out and cut, and covered it in resin and bonded in the first layer of plywood today before the sky opened up here.

 

[Rob B]

Jumbo did you get the seat pedestal repaired?

 

[jumbofordman]

Not quite finished, today I prepped the top plate by pounding in some metal threaded inserts so the seat won't be held by just wood screws, but by screws into metal. I ground down the area around the box 6" in all directions. I'll have 'er done by tomorrow evening.

Had to finish a vehicular job for a co-worker today(paying jobs take priority!)