Floor Pans
Yukon Cornelius
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,812
From: deep in the heart of dixie GEORGIA
RE: Floor Pans
yeah plasma cutters got have air to use them and they have to have a high cfm rating
http://www.plasma-cutter.com/technical.htm
http://www.plasma-cutter.com/technical.htm
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 181
From: West Virginia
RE: Floor Pans
ORIGINAL: rmodel65
plasma cutters are extremely easy to use compared to a cutting tourch if u ever used a tourch do it just like that but without all the excessive heat! and its nice cause it doesnt get all warped up and slice thru it like butter! imho it super easy just use two hands to keep it steady and make sure u dont ther frame rail off the car with the pan!
ORIGINAL: 428coupe
I agree with soaring on the mig welder, it is a must. If you dont want to spend the dough on a new plasma cutter, you can rent one, or cut-off wheels on a grinder will do the job, only not as pretty. Plasma cutters take some practice and a steady hand also. You should replace both full length floor pans and seat risers. Make sure the car is level and on jackstands where it will not be moved during the process. It is not too hard of a job and the practice you get from the floor pans will help you when you go to replace the lower cowl panels, which are likely bad also.
I agree with soaring on the mig welder, it is a must. If you dont want to spend the dough on a new plasma cutter, you can rent one, or cut-off wheels on a grinder will do the job, only not as pretty. Plasma cutters take some practice and a steady hand also. You should replace both full length floor pans and seat risers. Make sure the car is level and on jackstands where it will not be moved during the process. It is not too hard of a job and the practice you get from the floor pans will help you when you go to replace the lower cowl panels, which are likely bad also.
plasma cutters are extremely easy to use compared to a cutting tourch if u ever used a tourch do it just like that but without all the excessive heat! and its nice cause it doesnt get all warped up and slice thru it like butter! imho it super easy just use two hands to keep it steady and make sure u dont ther frame rail off the car with the pan!
I agree, plasma cutters are easier to use than a cutting torch, and because of the heat from oxy/acetalene torch, the torch is not even applicable for body work. Although relatively easy to use, a plasma cutter is not something that someone is going to make perfect cuts with on their first try. In my opinion, $1,500 for a plasma cutter is not money well spent for someone who is only restoring one car. If you plan on doing several cars, or own a body shop, that would be different. Spend the money on engine mods, or taller gears.
I also was careful when removing my seat risers and was able to reuse them. Auto parts stores specializing in paint and body, such as Carquest, carry the spot weld drill bit. It looks like a miniature hole saw and is worth its weight in gold, IMO.
Thread Starter
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 485
RE: Floor Pans
So I was sitting in my car today, depressed looking at all the rust and holes..when I thought: How are we supposed to fit a one piece in here. Obviously it won't go in through the doors, rear window or front...
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 181
From: West Virginia
RE: Floor Pans
they should be able to fit through the front or rear windshield opening with the glass removed. I would not use the one peice floor pans if your transmission hump is good. Go with the two full length pans or just the front pans, if your back pans are in good shape.
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 181
From: West Virginia
RE: Floor Pans
It cannot be brought in from the bottom if the motor and tranny are still in the car. I wouldn't us the one piece floor pans unless the car is being completely stripped. If you want to replace the floor pans one weekend and be back on the road on Monday, go with the individual pans.
Thread Starter
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 485
RE: Floor Pans
I want it done right, and having two pieces welded onto another piece doesnt seem the correct way. The engine is coming out so we can get the front end parts welded in and tweaked to correct alignment. But if it can come in through the bottom then thats how it'll be done.
5th Gear Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,328
From: Where I lay my head is home
RE: Floor Pans
yeah, doing the full pan would be the best bet, no matter how you are doing the rest of the car. but as 428 said, doing it with everything still in place is gonna suck big time. but in the end, it will be a good decision.