Wood floorboard in cargo area
 

I just bought a 71 burb 4X4 3/4 axles. I was looking over all the work I would need to do and found a plywood floor from the rear seat to the rear hatch. Looks like a very nice fit and is in good shape is this factory or just someones easy floor replacement?

factory
 

This was factory. Does anyone have good theory on why it was wood not steel?

Here's another good quetsion. I am doing a frame off on a sub and I had to split the wood down the middle to get it out. How did they get the wood in between the steel body, it's like they built the truck around the wood. Also, the wood is wider than 4 feet, where did they get a piece of plywood wider than four feet?:confused:

I believe the panels traditionally had wood rear floors. Perhaps that is why the Subs have it? For ease of the factory build process? I'm sure it was also a cost saving measure. To my memory, it is marine grade plywood.

I'm sure GM could easily get their hands on plywood wider than 4 feet. I think that is what the consumer is used to seeing, but that doesn't mean it can never be larger.

plywood
 

Wouldn't the plywood come out if body was off if frame? I assumed that plywood went into body before installed on frame.

Also I believe it is a marine grade plywood which should still be available special order in a 5x9 or 5x10 sheet (I checked into this years ago for another use). More money but worth it.

So it is stock!
 

That makes a big differance in my mind. If the wood is stock then fixing the rest of the body makes sense! I wasn't going to mess with restoring the body if I had to replace the floor.:cool:
Differant question, how about using a pickup, rear bed corner repair panels on a burb to fix the rear panel behind the rear tire?
I just haven't seen repair panels for a 71 burb behind the rear tires.

To get those patch panels. Go to www.classicheartbeat.com .

Wes has them in stock.

Good luck.

Which panel to use? The same as the PU bed?

patchpanels
 

They are actually "Suburban" patch panels which are fairly new on the market.I need a couple myself.

Yes they are new. Wes sent a bunch of suburban used panels to a manufacturer to make replacement panels. Wes has a common interest, he is building a 67 panel. Go to his sight and look under new products. Thsi is where you'll find the suburban panels.

I cut my floor out last week. They had a filler piece in one corner w/ a tongue and groove joint and the metal strips around the edge are spot welded on so it isn't taht bad to get out other than all those rusty bolts. I am building a new floor out of 1"x1" square tubing covered w/ thin sheet steel. Also new wheel tubs because my 20's are right below the side windows w/ it aired out.

Also I got the Suburban quater patches from GMC Paul's and they fit perfect. I am sure they are the same ones Wes sells so they will be a good purchase. The truck patches are not the same shape. Hope this helps.

The wood floor will come out of the bottom in one piece. You have to remove the small corner that is tongue and groove. We took my son's out and refinished it as it was in good shape. (It was better than the rusted parts).

Jim

JUST WONDERING IF YOU COULD USE A WOOD BED KIT WITH STRIPS MADE FOR OLDER MODEL PICKUP TO FILL IN THE WOOD AREA OR IS WOOD TO THICK FOR THIS.
:confused: :bowtie:

I saw a 68 2 door panel that came with a wood floor like the wood bed in a truck

Was this a factory floor with metal strips, or a restored truck that someone had put this type of floor in? I've had thoughts of doing this with oak and stainless strips but didn't know if it would work.:confused:

Yes it was a factory floor with metal strips. I am parting out a 71 suburban with a plywood rear floor if someone wants to buy it I will try to get it out.

Gary 70 Jimmy,

You mention you're parting out a suburban. Does it have a rear hatch/tailgate combo or barn doors? I'm looking for a good rear hatch.

I sold the hatch still have the gate and all 3 doors speaker holes in front doors, rear A/C with speakers in it. I just took out the rear side glass and the glass were the 4th door goes have a good GMC core support and lots more

My 69 panel has the metal strips with the wood slats. I believe Mar-k has a kit you can get for the burb and panels, just gotta make a few measurements.

Gary,
What are the details about the rear a/c?? Any pics??
Chris

Rear A/C is sold

How about the third seat and/or front brackets for the third seat??
Do you still have those??

didnt have a 3rd seat