Complete Floor pan replacement

[whplash1]

I am a newbie to this site, great info!!!!!!

I have been digging through the posts and have not found my answer yet.  I need to install a complete floor pan in my '74, and was wondering how much structural support the floor actually does.  Do I need to do some support somewhere to keep the car from sagging when I cut out the floor?  The floor isn't actually that rusty, it appears that something exploded from underneath and ripped through from the passenger side through the trans hump.

[73Chally]

If it's only a small portion of the floor, then just buy the section you need, and just replace what is damaged.  You're looking at a ton of work to do the whole floor.

[elitecustombody]

I agree, I would only replace the damaged area,it makes sense if your floors are not rusted, but if you do decide to replace  the floor,there is no need to weld in braces as long as it's sitting on level floor and you're only replacing the floor,

sounds like the tranny or driveshaft gave up

[whplash1]

It is a 4 spd car, I am guessing the trans gave up.  Since it went through the transmission hump, the only way I have seen to replace that is with the whole floor.  Is it possible to just buy the trans tunnel?

[E-Body Products]

I replaced the entire floor in my ride.  It took about 60 hrs by the time I drilled all of the spot welds, cleaned the rails, weld thru primed, and welded in the replacement panels.  It was totally worth the effort in my opinion.  I think I could do it quicker the second time as you learn alot the first time.  I ordered the pans from Sherman and the fit was really good.

Cross braces are recommended (X the inside and door openings).  I did not do this on my car and everythink still lines up.  Doors, fenders, etc...  I talked to a buddy at a local body shop and he says that sometimes problems can occur if precautions are not taken.  I got lucky and no problems were encountered.

You can see a bunch more pictures at my site...
www.ebodyproducts.com

Also, you can e-mail me with any questions that you might have.

[whplash1]

Thanks for the pics dj!!  It looks like your pan came in multiple peices?  I see the ones out that are complete, didn't know which way was easier/better/cheaper.

I went out today and took a good look at the floor, the whole thing needs replaced.  By the time I blast it, I am sure there will be pin holes everywhere!

[E-Body Products]

The front pan is one piece from firewall to rocker to rocker.  The rear footwell pans are two seperate pans.  This is the full pan system that Goodmark, Sherman & even AMD are selling.  This also matches the OEM configuration as well.  One issue I had with the pans was the rear seat belt brackets that are welded on.  I had to cut the top flange on them off so they would not hit the rocker panels.  The OEM pans had almost flat brackets here, while the aftermarket pans were not as flat.  Difficult to explain, but easy to correct during installation.

['Cuda Hunter]

Got any pics of the explosion damage.  Could it have been a torsion bar? 

[torredcuda]

9 times out of 10 it`s caused by a failed u joint.

[whplash1]

I have some pics of it, I will post them when I can.  The tear is through the ps floor in front of where the seat bolts down and goes through the 4 spd hump.  Right now the car is sitting in a rather large pile of snow, I am waiting until spring to see how serious the damage is, whether it got into the torsion bar mounts or not.