Replacing metal under seat area

[Mgicm]

HI
So in my quest to rebuild this 51 AD, I need to replace the metal under the seats. I am not seeing a patch panel for this online anywhere except as part of the $500 entire floorpan replacement. Since I dont have access to a bead roller, has anyone done this and if so..how? Would a straight piece work across this span, could it not have the huge bead in it or would it need additional supports in that case? Sure appreciate the help.

thanks!

[Angryman117]

I replaced the floor in my truck with a few small pieces and one big piece of 16GA sheet metal. It does bow ia little bit in the middle, but I plan to install braces because I am using seats with built in seat belts.

[Mgicm]

Hmm well dont want it to bow. Maybe put some sort of brackets under it would help.

Anyone else replace this or have ideas on how to reproduce it?

thanks

[mr48chev]

Nice work, since it's already in there I think I would run a couple of braces across under it pretty much like you would see on a factory rig just a channel with a lip on it --I__I-- The dashes are supposed to be at the top of the I's to show a lipped channel that you could spot weld to the bottom of the floor as a stiffener. I'd see if a sheet metal shop could bend me up some pieces long enough to go side to side and maybe 1/2 to 3/4 inches deep and about 1-1/2 inches wide in the drop. Some guys might suggest something like 1x2 light weight rectangular tubing which would work ok too.

[pgf545]

I did the B*tchin products front floor and it had a piece of rectangle tubing that you welded the front floor to the rear floor. I think it was about 1.5 x 3 if I remember right. I don't think they are in business anymore but maybe someone else might be doing the same thing? Here's a couple of pictures before and after we put the lizard skin on it.

Bernie

[pgf545]

I found this in the Direct Sheet metal online catalog. I think this is what you are looking for.

http://directsheetmetal.com/Store/in...roducts_id=164

Bernie

[OrrieG]

Inverted channel, square tube or two angles back to back should work. Select depth to match the distance between floor and frame, and stitch weld from below. Use good body sealant to keep the moisture out of the joints.