Well I have been kindly offered a donor Car . I'm going to be welding in the new floors but in wondering if it should be braced in order too keep it square or am I just over thinking it?

 

You should always brace a car when putting in new floor pans. I am not saying the car will be warped or that noone has ever successfully installed a pan without bracing, but it is the correct way to go and doesn't take much more time.

Not as big of a deal if you car has a roof though. Just stick a brace or two in it so you know everything is exactly where it was

 

when i did my xjs, i used a rotessoire roll over setup, did all my under body welding,

by using taught string tied to the front subframe body mounts, a criss cross to opposite side rear control arm mounts, crossed in the middle , with just a light contact.

during the install,to,monitor welding movement of both side floor pans ,both rockers, rear valance, modded wheel arches, and installing body reinforcement braces also any thing related to the body structure.

my car is RHD from england where they used to salt the roads with powderd pool acid, at least thats what it seemed like,RUST+RUST=RUST.

but i spent 1 1/2 yrs removing ALL the rust, on the roll over rig, without a doubt the best way to work on the bottom of a car!

 

i have a 2 1/2 hr. video of the complete restoration, that took 2 1/2 yrs to complete!

you know the type ,sucker for punishment.


i must add $30,000.usd.

 

I figured so I did notice that after jacking up the front the doors shut effortlessly .... I'll square it up and weld in braces before I start cutting heres the question though where too weld them too.....

 

Brace is the safest.


But, a lot depends on the definition of floor pan!!! If merely, the flasts between structural members, probably not. Only caveat is short welds at a time, to avoid warping.


But if sills and crosses or bulk heads are cut. , oh yeah.


And, no twist force exerted by jacking is important. Work whiole level at whatever heighth.


There are about four pans in a Jag. Two up front and two behind. One at a time,with some care and all should be just fine.


Caveat. I'm not a restorer !!!


Carl

 

like said, i had to replace all body metal all the way around the car, and i used left and right full lenght single piece floor pans, from front bulkhead to rear bulkhed. plus fabricate many custom pieces, NLA.

couldnt have done it (accurately) with out the roll over rig,and i did use some bracing.