Marianne Martinez
The 1972 Chevrolet Nova is a compact automobile manufactured by the Chevrolet division of General Motors. The Chevy II nameplate was dropped, with Nova becoming the nameplate for the 1969 through 1979 models. The Nova was replaced by the 1980 Chevrolet Citation, but the Nova nameplate returned in 1985 and was produced through 1988. There are many replacement parts available for the 1972 Nova, including floor pans, trunk pans, and braces. This article will focus on how to brace the floor pan of a 1972 Nova.
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What You'll Learn
Welding the floor pan
When it comes to welding the floor pan of a 72 Nova, there are a few different approaches you can take. Some people prefer to plug weld, while others opt for laying a bead down the whole length. Plug welding is considered the correct way to do it, but laying a bead is easier. If you're new to welding, it might be best to start by laying a bead, as this will be less challenging.
Another important consideration is whether to use butt welds or overlapping joints. Butt welding is the proper way to weld a floor pan, but it can be difficult to execute, especially if you're new to welding. Overlapping joints, on the other hand, are easier to weld and can result in a strong joint. However, they add extra weight to the car. If you're concerned about the car's weight, you might want to try butt welding, but be aware that it's a tedious and time-consuming process.
When welding the floor pan, it's essential to be careful around the toe boards. There is a piece of metal underneath them that you don't want to cut. The toe board support piece has fingers that are right underneath the seam where the toe board and floor pan meet. These fingers can be easily cut off if you're not careful. It's also a good idea to cut the new piece of metal slightly bigger than the piece you're cutting out and test-fit it before making the final cut.
Additionally, when welding, you can only weld a short bead at a time to prevent warping. You should also skip from panel to panel to allow for cooling. This will help ensure that you don't end up with gaps in your welds. After grinding, the repairs should be almost invisible.
Finally, when it comes to the seam of the floor and rocker panel, some people prefer plug welding, while others opt for laying a bead. Plug welding is the correct method, but laying a bead is simpler. However, if you're concerned about rigidity, plug welding might be the better option.
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Floor pan replacement parts
When it comes to floor pan replacement parts for a 72 Nova, there are a few options available. It is important to carefully study the original construction to determine the best course of action.
One option is to replace the entire floor pan. OER Parts offers a factory-style replacement floor pan set for 1968-1976 Chevy II/Nova and GM X-Body models. These floor pans are stamped in OE gauge steel to factory specifications and feature all the correct contours and detailing.
Another option is to replace only the damaged or rusted areas. This can be done by cutting out the affected areas and welding in new metal. For example, Classic Industries offers a reproduction rear seat back panel for 1968 Chevy II and 1969-72 Nova models that can replace rusted or damaged areas.
Additionally, it is important to consider the type of welding to be used. Plug welding is considered the correct way to weld a floor pan, but laying a bead down the whole length is also an option. When welding, it is recommended to use a spot weld cutter, die grinders with cut-off wheels, and grinding discs to ensure a clean finish.
Furthermore, there are other floor pan replacement parts available for the 72 Nova, including trunk pans, gutter side braces, floor pan plugs, and toe boards. These parts can be purchased from suppliers such as Classic Industries and OER Parts, ensuring that owners have access to the necessary components for a successful floor pan restoration project.
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Rust repair
Inspection and Disassembly:
Start by thoroughly inspecting the vehicle for rust and damage. Common areas prone to rust on a 72 Nova include the floors, trunk, frame rails, wheel wells, quarter panels, roof skin, and drip rails. Pay attention to paint bubbling and clogged drain holes, as these can indicate underlying rust issues. Disassemble the interior to get better access for repairs.
Grinding and Stripping:
Use tools like sandblasters and grinders to grind down rust spots and strip the affected areas. This process will help you assess the extent of the damage and prepare the surfaces for repair.
Panel Replacement:
Replacing rusted panels is often necessary for a durable repair. You can purchase reproduction body panels, floor pans, and trunk pans specifically designed for the 72 Nova. When cutting out rusted sections, cut the new metal piece slightly larger than the hole, as you can always trim it down later for a precise fit. Be very careful when cutting around areas like toe boards, as there may be other metal pieces underneath that you want to avoid cutting.
Welding:
Welding is a critical aspect of rust repair. Study the original construction and weld reinforcements to understand the best approach. Plug welding and spot welding are commonly used techniques. When welding floor pans, consider using a flanged seam, as it provides added strength compared to a butt weld.
Tools and Equipment:
Invest in good-quality tools to make your rust repair work easier and more effective. This includes sandblasters, die grinders, cut-off wheels, grinding discs, a shrinker/stretcher, flanging and punching tools, and a powered bead roller. A compressor is also essential to power your tools.
Remember that rust repair is a time-consuming and skilled process. Take your time, plan each step carefully, and don't be afraid to seek advice and guidance from online forums and communities dedicated to Chevy Nova restoration.
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Floor pan plugs
When it comes to floor pan plugs, there are a few options to consider for your 1972 Chevy Nova. Classic Industries offers a wide selection of body panels and floor pans for the 1972 Chevrolet Nova. They offer both complete floor pans and partial floor pans, which can be useful if you only need to replace a specific section. These floor pans are reproduced to the original configurations and will replace any rusted areas.
Additionally, Classic Industries also offers a reproduction of the original floor pan plug. This plug is designed to fit both the front and rear floor pans and the trunk floor pan. It is manufactured to the same specifications as the original and is an exact fit for all 1962-1972 Nova models. Most cars will require six plugs in total: four in the floor and two in the trunk.
When it comes to installation, it is recommended to carefully study the original construction to determine the best approach. You may need to use a spot weld cutter and die grinders to prepare the area for the new plugs. It is also important to be careful when cutting out the old plugs to avoid damaging any surrounding components.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that some Nova owners have opted to use plug welding when replacing their floor pans. While this method may be more time-consuming than simply laying a bead down the whole length, it is considered the correct way to ensure a strong and reliable finish.
Overall, replacing the floor pan plugs in your 1972 Chevy Nova can be a great way to restore the vehicle and prevent issues caused by air and water entering specific areas. With the wide range of body panels and plugs available, you can choose the option that best suits your needs and level of repair expertise.
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Toe board support
The toe board support piece has several "fingers" that sit right underneath the seam where the toe board and floor pan meet. These fingers can be easily cut off if you are not careful. It is important to study the original construction to understand how the pieces fit together. The toe board may also be part of the firewall, which is the wall between the driver and the engine.
When welding the toe board support, it is recommended to use plug welding or lay a bead down the whole length. Plug welding is considered the correct way, but laying a bead is easier. You can also use a flanged seam, which is stronger than a butt weld and can be finished flush on one side.
You can find toe board repair panels for the 68-72 Nova on eBay, which can be useful if you need to replace a damaged or rusted toe board. It is also important to note that the toe boards for the 72 Nova may be labelled as being for a 3rd Gen Nova but are actually for a 1st Gen Camaro.
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Frequently asked questions
Some tips include carefully studying the original construction to understand what needs to be done, leaving as much of the good original metal as possible, and trimming new metal to match the hole cut out. It is also important to be careful when cutting out around the toe boards as there is another piece of metal underneath that should not be cut out.
Classic Industries offers a wide selection of body panels, floor pans, braces, and plugs for the 1972 Chevrolet Nova. Classic 2 Current Fabrication also manufactures Chevrolet Nova rust repair panels and replacement auto body panels.
One common issue is rust damage. Another issue is a gap between the pan and the braces, which may pose a rigidity problem.
Some recommended welding techniques include plug welding and laying a bead down the whole length. While plug welding is considered the correct way, laying a bead is easier. A flanged seam is also an option and is stronger than a butt weld.
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