The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs Possible Rear Floor Solution for Suburban

Suburbanites,

A couple weeks ago I posted a thread about finishing up my 1951 Suburban. I am currently working on a solution for the rear floor area and have followed closely the discussion about Battleship Linoleum, as well as several other threads that cover this topic that have been posted in this forum over the years. My original floor was there when I got the truck, but it was very badly checked and flaking off, so I had to remove it down to the plywood. I wanted to get something done on the floor for a couple of upcoming shows, so I explored a lot of alternatives and found a product called G-FLoor at my local Menards (and later on line). This is a vinyl product that is the right thickness, comes in a couple configurations, in three colors, in a 5' x 10' roll (which is a perfect size for fitting to the Suburban), and is relatively inexpensive (I paid about $140 delivered to my house via my local Menards store, who only carried the product in the store in black). I chose the ribbed pattern which has raised ribs every 1/2" or 5/8" (instead of indents like the original floor). The stuff is designed for garage floors and similar applications. It can be glued, but I decided to cut it to fit and let it lie on the floor, with only some double-sided tape at front and rear to secure it.

I'm very satisfied with the results. It lies pretty flat, cuts fairly easily, and the tan color that I chose blends in very nicely with the original color of the Suburban interior as sold by Jim Carter (they don't make a maroon color like the original linoleum). The only downside that I could detect is the fact that the product shrinks and expands slightly (about 1/8") with weather changes (a fact that the manufacturer mentions in their installation instructions); so when it gets hot in the rear compartment, a few small ripples develop--nothing too serious or unsightly, and it lies flat again when the weather cools off (I suppose one could trim it sllghtly smaller if you wanted to avoid the small buckling in the heat).

To install, I made a paper template with all the locations of the seat mounts and body mounting washers, etc., then traced those on the back of the G-Floor and then cut them in with a sharp utility knife and snips, a bit smaller than the actual outline. After laying the piece in the Suburban, I trimmed up to the correct edges with a sharp utility knife and worked it in so that it fits pretty nicely.

It's not a perfect solution, but as I said, it's relatively cheap, looks good, and will serve the purpose until I find something better; and perhaps best of all, it can be easily removed if I want to do something else.

I attach a couple of pics to illustrate how it now looks in the Suburban.

Best wishes,

Jim

Jim:
Looks good, nice work!

Regards, Mark

Jim,

Can you post a link to that product at Menards?
(or a product number/code)

You have done a beautiful job with your Suburban's rear floor cover.

Thanks for that good lead.

Tim

Tim,

Here's a link to the G-Floor at Menards. This one shows the charcoal color and a larger size--other colors are available, as well as other sizes. If you google G-Floor, you can see the company's site; it offers all the options, but interestingly enough, it was actually cheaper for me to go into my Menards store and request a special order--which Menards then shipped to my door for no extra charge!

https://www.menards.com/main/floori...4.htm?tid=7634428526253078966&ipos=5

Great color, it goes well with the rest. Nice job.

John

Good idea and recommendation. (might be worth using a scrap piece and applying a vinyl dye to test color change for those who are into accuracy). Looks good to me.

Thanks for the Menards lead.
Their closest store is far away from me.

But, I might have to buy from them, if my potential closer-source (big boat restorer/repairer (70 miles away) cannot make a match to my floor.

I found an original piece of of my rear floor material. The restorer says he can match anything. I'll report back after putting my job to the restorer (soon, I hope).

Tim,

If it helps at all, same product is available through either Lowe's or Home Depot (see links below):

https://www.lowes.com/pd/G-Floor-Rib-7-1-2-ft-x-17-ft-Sandstone-Garage-Floor-Roll/1000602259

https://www.homedepot.com/p/G-Floor...over-and-Protector-GF55RB717SN/203450702

Prices are comparable to Menards and like Menards, product is order for delivery/pick-up at store or can be shipped to you.

All three sources offer this in the sandstone, black and gray colors. There are also smaller sizes (5'x10') available at much lower costs.

Dan

Thanks, Dan

I might go with that "PVC Garage Flooring Roll" as a last resort.

I am looking for ribbed linoleum (as originally installed).

I think that I might have two sources, but I will not post them until I check out their products/materials.

Most welcome Tim.

Understood on your desire to seek a more original product.

Main reason I was looking at this thread was one of my brothers has the remnants of a '58 1/2t panel that was converted into an enclosed cargo trailer decades ago. He is looking for something like this to recover the floor with.

As he plans on permanently parking this (placing on blocks), he is graciously letting me scavenge the "open" drive rear end to be used in my '51 T5 upgrade conversion.

Would be interested to hear how your potential products check out.

Thanks, Dan