Expert: Gary - 3/19/2008

Question
QUESTION: Gary,

I'm a singer songwriter from NJ and I have a 2004 15-passenger GMC Savanna van I bought for touring that needs some help before I hit the road on 5/2/08.  Right now the floor inside is completely exposed down to the steel ridges(?).  I realize I need to cover the floor with something or else the carpeting will just mold to the ridges and create an uneven floor.  My best guess is that I need to put plywood down, but I wanted to see what was recommended in terms of materials, fastening method, choosing the carpet etc.  As I said, I'm guessing I cut plywood to fit inside and screw it in, however I'm concerned about screw length and if I need each screwed in screw with something to prevent water from getting in/rusting.  Any suggestions would be MUCH appreciated.

Thanks!
Brian

ANSWER: Hi Brian,

I would keep the screw length as short as possible but yet long enough to grab and hold. As far as the rust proofing you can get undercoating fairly inexpensive that you can brush on the underneath side everywhere the screws break through the metal. Honestly as high up as that van sits off the road you probably won't get too much water on the underneath side of the floor anyways and what you do get is not apt to cause corrosion very fast. Where vehicle typically rust out now days is places that catch road debris, mud, and other gunk that stay wet for long periods of time. I hope this helps you out and good luck on tour.

Gary

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for replying so fast!  Wood or metal screws?  and do I need to secure the underside with a nut/washer, or will it grip the metal on its own? Thanks!

Answer
Metal screws for sure. Get some that have good corrosion resistance. You may even get the type that have a self-drilling point (aka:Teks Point).  These are designed with a point that drill into the metal making their own hole. You shouldn't need any type of nuts or washers they should grip quite nicely. Basically the only reason you fasten it down anyways is to stop friction when you walk on it or going down a bumpy road.

Gary