How difficult is it to replace a passenger side floor pan on your own, considering that you have never done body work before? Does it truly take know-how, or more like pateince? Any advice???
killer medic said:Is it worth buying a mig welder or should just rent one? I only need to replace the front passenger side and the left rear trunk panel. Is that difficult as well?
tos said:It depends on what you want to do in the future. I do alot of auto and machine work so I use mine all the time. If thats all you'll be doing then maybe a friend has one or you could rent. It will cast about three bills for a decent one and they go as high as you want. I have a Lincoln 175 and it cost $450.00 new. Maybe look for a used one. They definately pay for themselves if you compare the labor charges for somebody to a job like that.
I'm new to the forum today. Going to tackle floor pan replacement on my '67 mustang convertible. I read your post and have a question. Where on the inner rocker panel are the spot-welds you refer to for removal? The only ones I see are the ones that attach the full length seat riser platform to the inner panel. Would appreciate any help.It takes both but dont shy away if you've never done it before. If only the front section before the seat platform needs replaced then that is easier than say a full floor replacement. Do you have a body saw, Spot weld cutter or a mig or wire feed welder? First check under the car for obstructions that could get damaged when cutting, I.E. speedo cable, fuel lines, brake lines etc... If the floor is in good shape just in front of the seat platform then I would cut there about an inch forward of the platform flange. The best thing to do is lay your replacement panel in as best you can and trace around it. Take it out and cut leaving about an inch or more for overlap of your new panel (trimming excess later). You will have to drill out several spot welds (or grind them, Or air chisel) at the inner rocker panel and on the floor where it is spot welded to the front frame rail. Grind everything clean and smooth and put your panel back in. I like to use drill tipped sheet metal screws and fasten the new panel down to the inner rocker first then the frame rail and then all around the sides. It will take some fitting and trimming. Then I retrace and mark for final trimming (not always final though). Then mark your panel from underneath where the frame rail will be so you can drill small holes for welding. I also have a air powered hole punch that I will go around the new panel edge about every inch and punch holes. This is the easiest way to weld in the new piece. Reinstall the new piece with your screws making sure it lays flat against the frame rail ant the rosette weld all the holes. Remove screws and weld those holes. grind welds, prime and paint.