Floor pans.

[DeCaff2007]

Hello all.  76 T/A (originally a 400 auto)

Alright this will be my first ever attempt at floor pans.  I have full length repro replacements from Rock Auto. 

I can weld no problem.  Doesn't look real pretty but it works. 

I've just never done floor pans before and YouTube is NO help at all. 

A guy at work mentioned "crimping".  No idea what he means.

So this is where I turn to TAC.  How the heck do I go about installing my floor pans w/out making any crucial mistakes?

I have some interior pics but they aren't the greatest.  I will get some better ones after work tomorrow. 

In the meantime, any advice is appreciated.

[nwrclint2000]

Use a drill and screws. Take one out and put in a spot weld. Criss cross to reduce the warping/heat. Use a blow gun hooked to an air compressor to cool the welds and remember to overlap the metal and go back and so a bit of cutting to help line the pan with the original metal before applying seam sealer.

[JupiterBandit]

If you want them done once and for all, pay a welder to do it. $300 is average to have them butt welded. Crimping means to crimp the edge of one and overlap the new on to the old and spot weld them in and fill with seam sealer. That is a temporary ugly fix IMO.

You tube is nice if you know where to look

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOAjQWKVHos" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOAjQWKVHos</a>

[silver78]

Be carefull not to cut any support braces underneath.  Below you can see on the right side of the floor that is cut out I left the seat brace in tact so I could weld the new floor pan to it.  There were spot welds attaching the original floor to the brace.

Also, looking at the pic in the left top corner you'll find several spot welds holding the floor pan to that brace.  It can be tricky to cut it out without damage to the brace.  Take your time and look at you floor from below to check things out.

[silver78]

Here's another view of the rear section with braces underneath.

 

[silver78]

The other side rear section.  You can see the shiny spots on the seat brace were the original spot welds were. Maybe somebody can post some pics of the front floor area.  I'd try looking at the "projects section" too.  It has alot of pics I and posted mine titled "rust repair started"  You can do this just take your time with the cuts and think it thru.

[DeCaff2007]

Wow I wasn't expecting this many replies overnight 

Alright well it looks like I have my work cut out for me.  I'm also very highly considering getting a better quality welder.  I have a Harbor Freight recycled toaster right now.  Popcorn chicken anyone?

Sorry for the lack trying on my part with YouTube.  I was delirious tired and 2 beers into it when I did the search.

If you want them done once and for all, pay a welder to do it. $300 is average to have them butt welded.

Thanks but no.  There's a reason I'm doing this myself.