Demolition has revealed my floor pans have been patched with 2 layers over the original pan. The new pans I got from Summit have the capability to meet in the middle to form a new transmission tunnel as well. My question to anyone who has been down this road: Should I completely replace the transmission tunnel by joining the new pans in the middle or should I trim the new pans to fit up the existing good metal at the transmission tunnel base? Looking for advice from pan veterans!

 

I would keep as much of the original good metal as possible. So my recommendation would be to keep the center section and cut the panels to fit.
This also gives you the option to do an overlap or butt joint. The butt joint is preferred and looks better but requires more time grinding and fitting.

 

Thanks for the advice. I was leaning in that direction. The surrounding metal is in excellent shape. Time to start trimming this weekend.

 

Agree with v8Al, if that tunnel is solid, weld to it, don’t remove it. Guarantee you will have an easier time getting it replaced with minimal mess. Sure you can butt weld it, is it going to be a show car? If not I would overlap slightly on clean metal and weld it up, be a lot less hours and hassle.

 

So my choice would be to replace for two reasons, less fabrication and welding (one seam rather than two) and it's a non critical area, if the pan is not exact it will not effect any class A metal fitment. Just my 2 cents.
good luck with your repair.

 

I have two observations: if you decide to remove the tunnel section, take good measurements and or make templates for the console mounting locations; if you decide to overlap the metal for easier welding consider purchasing a flanging tool like this one from Eastwood to make nice seams where the panels overlap.

Rodney

 

I would trim the new panels it would be a lot easier than trying to make a new tunnel.

I would trim the pans to the existing good metal and not disturb the tunnel

 

Thanks everyone for the good advice. I chose to trim the new panels and weld to good adjacent metal. I overlapped and migged seams over and under. It's not show car quality but it works for me.

 

Good work!

 

Well done. Be proud of your work. Looks good

 

Nice 👍 good job on to the next step.