B3/B4 floorplates

Are the B3 and B4 floorplates the same? My B4 passenger side is rotten and would cut a piece from a donor to repair mine.

bump.

Given the number of parts that are used on both models & the average lifespan of the basic platform I think they probably will…

Probably not, actually. The B4 was a significant change from the B3 specifically to cope with the side impact intrusion requirements coming into effect. The only common panels between the B3 and B4 sedan is the roof. The wagons share roof and cargo floor.

From what I understand, the B4 is also referrred to as 35i facelift.

I've seen a B3 tailgate attached to a B4, although it obviously looked wrong. The windshields are the same. I'm sure a bunch of parts will physically bolt on, but will look cosmeticly wrong.

I've read that the floor pans on a B4 may be deeper, but that may not be an issue for patch panels. I'd look into replacement carpet and see if it's the same for 90-97.

-Todd

A lot will depend on the size and location of the floor patch. Any flat, sheet-only patch should go in. Any sections that have bonded or welded-on bracing or re-inforcement might not match up between B3 and B4.

Changed items as listed in "The New Volkswagen Passat self-study service training program booklet 409 (printed 10/94)
hood hinges
structural windshield adhesive
strengthened B pillar
reinforced window shaft (at the C pillar)
rear door locating pin
side impact bars
reinforced long beams
front bumper redesign

It's the B pillar reinforcements that extend into the floor section that are the concern with fitting a patch from the B3.

Damage on mine. included the gutter for the fuel lines :/ Probably a no go then?

Bah, just weld it up. That's not bad.

OMG that hole is so bad! You should just cut your losses and sell the car

just kidding. that is nothing to fret over!

Push a screwdriver into the metal around the plugs. Common failure point.

-Todd

the floor pans are the same. I've installed B4 carpets, dash, seats (front and back), center console on B3's and viceversa.

I actually just installed a B3 (1993) carpet on my 97 Passat GLX

Carpets, dash, seats, center consoles are not sheet metal.
I have swapped a Jetta spare tire into my New Beetle, therefore the trunk floors are the same?

The hole on the Passat floor (post 7) is minor enough that the larger patch to be cut from a donor should be able to avoid any model change areas. Were that hole closer to a sill it'd be more dicey as to the ability of a B3 to be used as a donor. That far from a panel edge should be OK with either B3 or B4 as a donor.

I'll try to take some pics in the next few days and see what else you say after that. I own 2 B3 Passats and 3 B4 passats

Thanks Volk14. Hole is a bit bigger now as the rot has been cut out, but not by much. Seems solid around the holes, but as I will be dong a full ground up resto, I'll probably remove the plugs and weld the holes.