How To Replace Rusty Floor Panels in a Chevrolet Corvair Part 1

Our 1961 Corvair Lakewood had been taken off the road some 15 to 20 years ago. It was not for any mechanical reasons or collision damage. But instead, an infestation of the tin worm had occurred. The previous owner, Whitney's uncle, was a little worried about the structural integrity of the car. I ignored his concern at first and focused on the mechanicals of the old wagon. After resuscitation of the engine and the braking system, The car was one heck of a runner. The air cooled flat six sounded smooth and cutting open the oil filter revealed some very tidy internals. There was however a lot of moaning and groaning from the body while driving. Once I was sure the Lakewood was mechanically sound, I then decided to take a good look at the structural integrity. Before the whole world changed, I had planned to use the Spring Break week I get off from teaching to burn in some new floor pans. I was originally going to use some premade panels from Clark's Corvair Parts. While they are among the best repair panels money can buy, I soon realized that Clark's did not sell enough metal for me to do this project. Also, as many know of my exploits, I do not like to spend money if it means I can learn something. As such, I opted to make my own panels. The cost of all the metal I needed totals $120 USD. About $380 cheaper than buying panels that only netted me 60% of a new floor and I got stronger material. My assessment of the floor made it very clear that one Spring Break week was not enough to undertake this project. I had wished for more time with the Corvair. Had I realized how I would get, I would have thrown that Monkey's paw in the garbage disposal. I was one of the few fortunate people to have maintained my salary and have something to do during our shelter in place orders. I was able to stay safe, sane, and mostly sanitized locked away in my shed with only my dodgy welder, a bead roller, and my body hammer to keep me company while operating on this Robin's egg blue estate. Here I have chronicled my first few weeks on the project.