Re: [Chevelle-List] Floor & trunk braces

[carla]

Title: Message

steve Invest in a spot weld cutter ( really a glorified mini hole saw ). From the top a quick wire brushing will reveal where the spot welds between the floor pans and braces are. Center punch in the center of the spot weld. Attach the spot weld cutter to your hand drill and center into the center punch mark. Most spot weld cutters have a depth guage built in so that you only drill deep enough to cut thru the floor not into the brace. What this accomplishes is to drill around the spot weld leaving only it not the floor still attached to the brace. Repeat on all spot welds in the affected area. Then cut out the rusted floor area and lift out the section. You'll now need to grind the spot weld "buttons" off the brace. Measure and cut the new floor to match the opening, insert it into the opening and draw lines where it meets the braces. Now is asimilated the original. Drill holes ( about 3/8" ) into the new floor section approx where the original "buttons" where. Drop the section back in place and weld the floor section to the brace by filling in the holes. This makes a nice neat job. Most supply houses should have spot weld cutters. Till you get the hang of it you may break some so buy extra replacement cutters. Try looking at eastwoodcompany.com and then look under welding tools for a picture and an idea on pricing. It's really not that hard, just time consuming, but it makes a real neat job. Ted ----- Original Message ----- From: Chevelle 69 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, September 02, 2002 10:16 AM Subject: [Chevelle-List] Floor & trunk braces Gents,             Have any of you replaced floor and/or trunk braces? I am about to put in new pans in the floor and I wonder how I cut the old floor out without hitting the braces. Are the braces welded in? I don't have the body off the frame yet, but am very close to doing so. I am not yet sure if I need to replace those braces, but it's a possibility. Still, would be cheaper to recondition these if they are in good shape.   Am I right in guessing that the nut plates for the seat belts and seats are mounted in those braces?   I have a mig welder and plan on doing some welding as part of this project, so that won't stop me if needed.                                                                            Steve