HI, For those that were brave enough to tackle the job of putting in a new floor pan or just replacing them and the brace's,
my hat is off to you.
For those that are thinking about taking on the job of doing a floor replacement, it can be done
by a person that is NOT super skilled. But its HARD. VERY HARD. The only reason I'm writing this is I see some guys are
asking is it possible? How long will it take? etc. One of the first things you have to do is understand how the floor is attached
to the CAR.? Sounds silly, but I really didn't know, until I started researching on this site, Paul's great Floor Replacement Blog.
And many more. It starts with the Rockers/iner-rockers/outer/rockers, and both ext. end rockers. Then comes the braces, they attach to the inside of the rockers, like arms , the floor has a lip about 1" wide that sits on top of the rocker and gets spot welded all down both sides, and up and around the back seat. With the 4 braces holding up the floor, they each get 20-25 spot welds each from the top of the floor through to the brace, these spot welds continue along the whole body front sides, across the cowl, the back seat, its what holds the floor in.
The 2nd thing I think you'll need is an indoor working space, I wouldn't try it outdoors. You'll need tools, WELDER. drills, cobalt bits, regular garage equipment, compressor, air cutting tools. More drill bits, I've tried the spot weld bits, didn't have much luck
with them and there expensive, I've found that the $12.00 - 3/8 cobalt hard bit worked best for me, always using a cutting oil
to help bit. I Always use a 3 step drilling process, 1/8 - 1/4- 3/8 . Find all your spot welds, mark with black pen, mash a couple
times with center punch, start with small bit and work your way up till you've broken thru. I bought a Lisel chisel , has two cutting
slides and goes straight or sideways ,using a
big hammer.
3rd thing, you'd better be ready to work because this is not for the timid, its boring and hard on your body, hands, back. I've
been at it for weeks, not full days, but each day for 4 hrs or so. IM kind of like a pit bull, I hate to give up, and this is
what it takes to do these type jobs.
I think it would be easier to do two half sides, down the middle, and weld them together. AND THAT'S MY STORY. HOPE IT HELPS
STAN.
Cost, Braces = 2 Long 4 Short $$ 500.00
Rockers. Both Sides. $$. 600.00
Floors. 2- 1/2 sides. $$