[HoosierDaddy]

I'm thinking Newell used wood to avoid metal to metal contact and to provide a measure of insulative value to the floor. In the case of my 1978 the metal/wood floor lasted 20 years. I suppose very few methods would be a permanent solution but probably the cost/benefit ratio is what determined that arrangement. I believe the FRP sealed with silicone will be a more long lasting solution. It is virtually impossible for water to get between the FRP and the metal.