Floor or Rear Frame First?

[RickInIndy]

Hello All, my first post so I think I'll introduce myself before asking my question. I recently acquired a 66 Mustang from my father-in-law to restore with my boys. The engine and the front end is in great shape but the floors were shot. I also found the left rear frame is almost gone. I have replaced the passenger side floor with pretty good results. My question is, do I need to replace the frame or the floor first on the driver side? I would like to replace the floor first to keep the strength but I don't want the floor to get in the way of welding the frame assembly to the body. TIA for any help you can provide.

 

[69 Rustang]

Rick, Welcome. The coupes and fastbacks are sturdier than you may initially think. But, common sense is to take lots of measurements and support the vehicle very well at multiple points prior to doing any frame or structural work. I started with floors and completed them entirely before moving on to rear frame. Leave the doors, trunk lid, etc on so you know how it lines up before and after. Good luck,
Dave

 

[HistoricMustang]

Rick, I would also start with replacing the floor before the frame rails. Good picture up at: www.historicmustang.com/tech.html .

HistoricMustang
www.historicmustang.com

 

[RickInIndy]

Thanks! Sounds logical to me. It will be nice having a sturdy floor in before I go removing the rear end out of it.

 

[WORTH]

Thanks! Sounds logical to me. It will be nice having a sturdy floor in before I go removing the rear end out of it.

It's a good idea to do one piece at a time also, keeps the car a bit stronger while your doing it.

 

[HistoricMustang]

Worth..............very good point! I cut mine from the firewall to the rear bumper on the underside. The only original piece remaining is the driveshaft tunnel. But, it was done one section at a time and on level floor with jackstands.

HistoricMustang
www.historicmustang.com