I'm getting ready to do the interior of a 1980 Ford Super Club Wagon, and the floor is to be carpeted from stem to stern. In doing some research for this project, I've learned that back in the day, it was roughly a 50/50 split on whether or not a plywood subfloor was used in the cargo area.
Some customizers glued 2" open cell foam to the metal floor for padding, and just carpeted over that by using tack strip, which was screwed down around the perimeter of the floor. Others cut strips of 1/2 inch high density foam and glued them into the valleys between the ribs in the floor, then a layer of 1/2 inch re-bond for padding was laid over that, then the carpet was laid, again using tack strip around the perimeter.
The customizers who used a subfloor just padded it with re-bond and carpeted over it, gluing the carpet to the padding, and stapling the edges of the carpet to the subfloor along the edges.
Anyone here have any experience in van interiors? Have an opinion on using a subfloor vs. not using a subfloor? All of this is assuming the van's floor is in good condition (which it is,) all the holes are welded shut or otherwise sealed, of course (which they will be,) and the floor is painted to help prevent rust (which it will be.) I don't know if it matters or not, but there will be some cabinetry and a bed platform installed over the carpet.
All things being equal, would you/have you use(d) a subfloor? Any tips or tricks for using either method? Any advice on using/not using either method?
Any/all input will be greatly appreciated.
Some customizers glued 2" open cell foam to the metal floor for padding, and just carpeted over that by using tack strip, which was screwed down around the perimeter of the floor. Others cut strips of 1/2 inch high density foam and glued them into the valleys between the ribs in the floor, then a layer of 1/2 inch re-bond for padding was laid over that, then the carpet was laid, again using tack strip around the perimeter.
The customizers who used a subfloor just padded it with re-bond and carpeted over it, gluing the carpet to the padding, and stapling the edges of the carpet to the subfloor along the edges.
Anyone here have any experience in van interiors? Have an opinion on using a subfloor vs. not using a subfloor? All of this is assuming the van's floor is in good condition (which it is,) all the holes are welded shut or otherwise sealed, of course (which they will be,) and the floor is painted to help prevent rust (which it will be.) I don't know if it matters or not, but there will be some cabinetry and a bed platform installed over the carpet.
All things being equal, would you/have you use(d) a subfloor? Any tips or tricks for using either method? Any advice on using/not using either method?
Any/all input will be greatly appreciated.