Searched through the archives, found a response a month or so back that said that to replace the rear floor brace (the one with body bushings) the body had to be off the frame.

My rear brace is fine, but I need to replace my middle brace - it's pretty far gone, but it does not look like there's any body mounts on it.

How do I install this thing? The body is still on the frame; does that other advice remain the same even though this one does not have body mounts?

It looks like it'd just be a matter of welding it to the rockers and spot-welding across the floorpans but it also does not look like I will be able to get up into the rockers to weld it?

Both pans need replaced, so I might be able to get it from the top if that's the way it needs to be done.

What's the proper way to do this?



------------------
chevelle@derekf.com
69 El Camino Non-SS 396 - 500,000 miles - daily driver.
65 Malibu SS Convertible - the new project!

Yes you must lift the car up off the frame. There is just no way to install any of the braces without lifting it up.

You stated that you cant get access to the inner rockers to weld them. That is why you need to lift the car, along with in order to remove them.

The best way of replacing any panel is on piece at a time and fitting it to the old parts. So what I would and have done is start out by removing the old floor brace. Dont just hack it out, carefully remove it best by using a spot weld cutter. Once the old brace is gone install the new brace. Get the new brace to fit to the old floor pans, once it fits to your liking, tack weld it to the inner rockers and use sheet metal screws to hold it to the floor boards.

Now remove the floor boards, its best to remove one side at a time. Remove say the drivers side first, but leave the pass side in place. Install the new floor half getting it to fit to the new floor braces and the old floor half. Once it fits use sheet metal screws to hold it in place. Now remove the other half or the pass side floor. Install and fit to the new floor braces and the other new floor half. Again once it fits use screws to hold it in place.

Before you start welding, check everything out, does it fit and look right will the tranny fit? Take all these into consideration, and once you are happy start. welding.

Thanks, I suppose I have my work cut out for me tomorrow.. should be able to remove the remains of the old brace, anyway.

Thanks again!