What Did You Do For Your Floorboards?

[M Towsley]

Hi all,

Well, I pulled the floorboards today as part of the annual. I can guarantee they have not been up for awhile, probably since the restoration many years ago. The carpet was partially glued down to the floorboards with every indication it was done while they were installed. (Glued over the center screws, etc.). Like most, they have extra holes from over the years and would need to be replicated to look good bare. I was thinking of powdercoating them in a wrinkle black.

I also like Rob Lees wood floorboards, remind me of my L-2.

Then again, rather than make new ones I thought I might throw carpet down without gluing, I think my first BC-12 was done this way.

It is somewhat of a moot point, perhaps, asking what kind of carpeting. I know someone will point out it would have to be for aircraft due to fire issues, but then again I think that would be the least of my worries in a fire. Any carpet suggestions???

Any other suggestions? Thanks to all who can help!

[Mark Julicher]

Re: What Did You Do For Your Floorboards?

I used a roll of the fuzzy style automobile trunk carpeting which I bought at AircraftZone, or maybe it was National Aircraft Parts Association. I installed it with tonneau cover snaps from Aircraft Depot and in a couple places where I had a little slipping going on I put velcro on the floorboards and it sticks nicely to the fuzzy carpet. I even flush-riveted a heel plate to the carpet next to the brake pedals.

So far there have been no flash fires in the cockpit, but if there ever is one I will just unsnap the carpet and throw it out the window.

[Ragwing nut]

Re: What Did You Do For Your Floorboards?

I use commercial grade tight loop carpet which is fire retarded, bind the edges, and install heel plates with screws, and a couple more screws at the edges to keep it in place.

[M Towsley]

Re: What Did You Do For Your Floorboards?

Thanks, guys.

[Robert Lees]

Re: What Did You Do For Your Floorboards?

Marty, I don't recall which model of Taylorcraft you fly, but if it's a B model, the floorboards need to come out every annual to inspect the brake cables & pulleys.

[M Towsley]

Re: What Did You Do For Your Floorboards?

Hi Rob,

Thanks, however, I am aware of this since this is why I pulled the boards. (I bought this plane last November and it is now under annual). I remember pulling the boards in my first BC-12D, nice mouse nest so I know the previous owner hadn't pulled them either for quite some time. I pulled the boards out of my L-2 when I had it, what a pain in the a** that was.

I am thinking the floorboards in 'Ms. Scarlett' have not been pulled for a long, long time. Everything looks good underneath, just needs some thorough cleaning and lubing. I came across your floorboard pictures you posted back when I asked about the parking brake issue I had. I really like your wood boards, reminds me of my L-2. You did a very nice job with crafting them. I am tempted in doing the same sometime for this BC-12.

[jim cooper]

Re: What Did You Do For Your Floorboards?

My 7BCM, 85hp with electrical had been rebuilt with great care. The floorboard was marine plywood sanded and covered with several layers of poly type floor varnish, natural color satin finish. It had metal plates where your heels go. It looked VERY good, very professionally done. The dash was painted flat black, the seats were black pleated something or else. The rest of the interior, the side upholstry had been 86'ed and the metal sanded and painted white. It was good looking!JP

[swoeric]

Re: What Did You Do For Your Floorboards?

I have just worked out my plan in this area. Last year at annual I removed 4 layers of paint and left a nice turned look in the metal. Promptly clear coated with a can from Wallies aircraft supply. I then took some grip tape 4-5 inch wide from Airparts Depot and layed this at an angle 45 degrees to form a couple of arrows forward. This year to class it up for those date nights when not flying in muddy boots I have found Rubber Backed berber carpet at Wallies aircraft supply.
it is about the right size. I plan on the tonneu snaps and having a local store bind the edges after cutting.

I get compliments on the brushed AL look but look forward to insulated carpet in the winter.

[astjp2]

Re: What Did You Do For Your Floorboards?

I did 1/4" plywood and coated it with epoxy resin and put a layer of fiberglass cloth. Looks like the original finish but the glass/epoxy is transparent and lasts a long time. Tim