Replacing boot floor need bracing?

[Rhodyspit75]

As soon as it gets warmer ( which may be never ) I am going to replace the boot floor in my Bugeye. Since I'm taking out a large piece I'm wondering if I need any additional braces before I start cutting. The car is on a rotisserie so it will be upside down during the work.

I have the the door openings braced now and all the work on the sills and from the front of the wheel arches forward is complete.

If nothing else I think I will support the center of the car with a brace to the floor. This will take any strain off the area I'm working on.

Thanks, Ernie

 

[Jim_Gruber]

I'd do more than that just to make sure things stay aligned. The weight of the shell is being carried by the boot floor as part of the structure. You would not want to see a wrinkle in the rear wings as a result of removing floor. Unlikely but possible.

 

[twas_brillig]

I'm thinking that - in terms of potential vertical 'sag' - you shouldn't have a problem as the sides of the car (the rear fenders) and chassis provide the vertical stiffness, with the boot floor providing mostly lateral stability. However - throwing another brace under neath is a dang good idea because the floor will still be under some level of tension when your remove it, and will be providing some level of strength. I'm just durned if I could even guess as to whether it was a lot, or a little, important, or unimpotent. Hats off to you on all the work. Doug