I wouldn't risk replacing them off the chassis if it were me. Mine were
replaced professionally and they cut the floor right back to the
transmission tunnel then butt welded the new floor in. I took photos of them
doing and this and boy does it look drastic!!! Looking at your pride & joy
with no floor or sills. Best to weld a bar accross the door apperture for
extra support prior to removing the old floors. I have a MIG but I'm not
confident I could have done a good job. Best to pay someone to do the
welding I think - this must be the most difficult job in the whole
restoration!
Good luck!
Ian Southwell, UK
GT6 Mk3 x 2
> -----Original Message-----
> From: jak0pab@jak10.med.navy.mil [SMTP:jak0pab@jak10.med.navy.mil]
> Sent: Friday, August 28, 1998 11:30 AM
> To: spitfires@Autox.Team.Net
> Subject: REPLACING FLOORPANS
>
> ok Here is my next major project (one I am not looking forward to). I
> have one of my cars stripped all the way down and unbolted from the frame.
> Unfortunately I do not have enough people to lift it off. But I do need
> to
> replace my floorpans, and The inner part of my rockers. I have seen some
> of you say its best to do it on the frame but others, have told me to
> replace them off the frame. I have the replacement pans that cover the
> whole length of the floorpan, not just the half sized ones. What is the
> best way of doing it, on/off frame, should I overlap or butt weld it (I am
> very UNtalented in welding) Should I rent a MIG welder, or pay someone to
> do it. How do you make sure the car is straight afterwards? I am
> concerned about getting this done right and am looking forward to any
> input
> on the best way of doing it. Thanks
>
> Patrick Bowen
> '79 Spitfire daily driver
> '76 Spitfire that will soon become the body of the '79
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