Foor Pans 67 Nova Help

My floor pans came yesterday for the 67 Nova, couldn't wait to open the box, then I realized I have to have floor braces they didn't come with the pans. The rear spring shackle brackets were rusted so I thought I better get some repair pieces also.

Looking back it was a big mistake trying to patch the floor pans instead of getting new ones; they will look so much better if I can get them in ok.

For the guys that have done this before tell me if I wrong. If I do one side at a time by cutting enough of the pan out to weld the brace in from the rocker to the transmission tunnel then cut the rest of the floor out one side at a time. Should I have to brace the body or would the brace hold it ok? This will be my first floor pan replace.

Thanks Richard

sounds like a good plan to me,always better being safe than sorry. Hank

I'd put some temporary bracing in, it's always a good plan on any unibody car!!!!!

Better safe then sorry, one more thing it's sitting on a lift. Would it be better to be sitting on the floor on all four wheels or does it make any difference?

Richard

As long as it's supported well, and nothing is going to give or move around when you cut the floor pan out the lift should be fine.... Even with the extra bracing, I would still recommend only cutting out one side at a time....

I was hoping that the lift would be ok that will make it a little easier on a bad back. It is supported pretty good I give it the bounce test before I run it up, the support on the lift is more to the center of the car then the wheels. I waited all of this time so I don’t want to screw it up now, I will brace it first. If it turns out ok I'll post some pictures, if you don't see pictures then you know what that will mean.

Thanks Richard

I've used a lift to replace floor pans and bracin, it certainly does make the job a whole lot easier!!!! Just get everything braced up good, take some measurements before you start and verify they stayed the same before you final weld anything... I also stitch weld the new pans in, and avoid making ant welds more then about 1/2" long... Skip around a bit, use a lot of tack welds.... You'll do fine!!!!

Thanks for the help.

Richard

Anytime, Richard!!! Post us up some pics when you get things underway!!!! Oh yeah, and one of your '39!!!!!!! Always have liked them!

I braced everything when I did my '57 wagon, but I did rockers, floor pans, and floor braces. once something moves, you may not know till it's to late or to small to see.
You should brace side to side at your "B" pillar so ti does not spread out, you may not know till the doors don't match top to bottom.

Pat

Thanks HemiTCoupe, I will for sure brace it, I thought with the rockers and the brace under the seat would be good enough. It would be a shame to have the car all of this time and not do all to prevent the body moving. Thanks for the pictures. Good luck on your move. I would like to go to a warmer area too.

Richard

Many years ago I cut too many panels out of a unibody car at the same time..... Had to chase the rockers and tailight panel around the shop 4 times to get things even close to right!!!!!! Actually it took a few chains, a come-along, lots of clamps, 2 x 4's, and a couple hours of measuring to even get one thing back true and level to set the rest of the car with!!!!! Needless to say, these days I can't imagine having too much bracing when you start cutting pieces and panels off a car!!!!!!

I’m happy I asked for help, sometimes you just don't see the big picture. I watched a video but it was a full-framed car the pans were going in. If I can get this Nova finished, I have a 68 Camaro convertible that needs a lot of work. I've never done quarter panels but I have new GM ones from 20 years ago, if I can move at all I'll try the tackle that job too.

My advice to the young guys and girls getting into hot rodding and building cars, do it when you are young don't wait until your all busted up and can hardly move.

Richard