[rb]

Gentlemen, On my 1969 Malibu convertible, there is a cross brace about center of the car ( back of the transmission mount ) running at right angles to the long axis of the car. Mine has gone kind of French pastry. Can this be replaced by pulling it out and putting in a new one, or is it part of the floor? I would like to avoid welding in a new floor, but not hopeful. Please tell me what this piece is, and if it can be replaced by two guys lying under the car.

Best regards, RB.

 

[Dave Birdwell]

If it's bolted to the frame, and supporting the rear of the transmission, then you can replace it easily. If it's against the bottom floor of the car above the frame rails, then you'll need to pull the whole interior out, drill out all the spot welds, cut the old piece loose from the floor, and replace it. Not easy to do on the frame.. :noway:

 

[Dave Birdwell]

Do you have a picture of it?

 

[Kaizen]

If its in back of the tranny crossmember its got to be a floor brace. Like dave said it can be done but not easy. You absolutely sure the rest of the floor is fine? This is an important move so get it up and poke it with a screwdriver. Originally it was spot welded to the underside of the floor and rocker. Welding will be required to put the new one in. You have to weld it to the floor and to each side.
Here is a members site that has a beautiful write up. Heck if I remember whose it is.
http://www.1969supersport.com/floorpn.html

 

[floyd66]

Brace yourself for bad news. These type of parts rust in batches. Sounds like you have a bad feeling already.

Good luck, I hope its not too bad under there.

 

[rb]

Thanks Gentlemen;

Sounds like I have problems. I have been fixing up a car that I bought a few years ago. It is now coming to the question, "Do I keep trying to fix a large number of little things, or do I save the effort and prepare to do a major overhaul some day?" I do have a convertible frame and newer suspension components. Maybe I will put this project on hold until I have the time and resources to do it properly. It is a nice driver the way it is. So I'll leave that floor stuff for another day. Thanks for your consideration and efforts on my behalf.

Cheers, R. B.