[kaotws]

Also need some advice on floor pan replacement on a convertable ..

[dogwater]

If your replacing everything you need to brace it some how,like floor jacks w/2x4s under the doors just enough to keep things from sagging, & remember your going to be inside of it also need to support your own weight.Strip everything out take new floor pans & put them on top of the old ones,kinda hammer them down so their close to the old pans, mark around them then cut maybe 1/2 or more below that line.You'll most likely need a spot weld cutter and cut them out.Easiest way to cut out the pans is with a 4 1/2 grinder w/ thin cut off wheels.Don't let any sparks hit your glass it'll pit them,don't ask how I know.Be aware of whats under the pan when cutting.Then throw in new pan sotra hammer it down to where you have about 1/2 to 1/4 overlap.I used sheet-metal screws/self-tappers to hold it in then weld. This is the quick version of floor pan replacement,you'll figure it out as you go along.

[1971BB427]

Really depends on what car you have as to whether you need bracing to remove the floors. Some cars with full frames don't need extra bracing to remove the floors. Unibody, or subframe cars will need either bracing, or replace floors in small sections, and don't remove anything more than you need. Weld in new patch panels before moving to the next patch, so it's always structurally sound.