Shell off or on?

[Breadbug]

I've got my 75 TW gutted and the belly off. I'm at the stage where I have to make THE decision. Shell off or shell on? My floor is in pretty good shape except an area along the street side. I can reach the frame from the belly and do the POR 15 and seal and insulate.

My question is mainly... What if I Don't pull the floor up? Will the frame get protected enough getting all but the top with POR 15?

Ed/Breadbug

[Breadbug]

Originally Posted by Breadbug

I've got my 75 TW gutted and the belly off. I'm at the stage where I have to make THE decision. Shell off or shell on? My floor is in pretty good shape except an area along the street side. I can reach the frame from the belly and do the POR 15 and seal and insulate.

My question is mainly... What if I Don't pull the floor up? Will the frame get protected enough getting all but the top with POR 15?

Ed/Breadbug

Ed/Breadbug

[InsideOut]

Are you replacing your whole floor? If not, don't pull the shell off, no need to from the looks of it IMO. Most all the folks doing "shell off" restorations are replacing all the plywood floor due to rotten wood...

Shari

[Fyrzowt]

From what you describe, I would leave the shell on, remove only the bad section of flooring and replace. Plan your joints to land on support. This can all be done from topside.
Your frame rust doesn't look too serious to me, and is located on the lower part of the frame nearer the belly pan where it can be accessed and dealt with.