Question about Convertible tunnel plate

[68converted]

I decided to put in subframe conn. and wanted to know your thoughts on the need to have the tunnel plate after the subframes are welded in. I can't imagine that it does that much to provide torsional strength. Anyone?

Edit. I will be cutting thru the lower seat pans and welding the pans to the new subframes.

 

[68converted]

Can anyone shed some light on this?

 

[TOM B]

I have subframe connectors on mine but ran the connectors below the pan and are welded in. My thoughts on this is that I would keep the plate in. This plate is there to take the twist out from the tunnel under hard pulls, {equals it on both sides} the roof on a coupe does the same thing.

 

[DJE55]

I have a 67 Vert and I decided to leave mine connected. I run custom sub-frame connectors as well. I would keep it. It does become a little bit of a pain to run your exhaust but, it does help keep the flexing to a minumum.

 

[mdjay]

It depends on which sf connectors you used, but it's a good idea to leave it anyway.

 

[68converted]

Thanks for your input. I am making my own subframes out of 2x2 square stock. I am going with 2.5" exhaust and I have a 3" Alum. driveshaft in there so it might get a little tight. I suppose I could shim the plate out a little.

 

[70vert]

I kept it and am working around it. If you remove that plate, the extra convertible subfloor becomes kind of useless. All the stress that the plate would normally transfer from one rocker panel over to the other side will just go up into the top of the tunnel. The tunnel is kind of like a wishbone - it will flex back and forth. If you put another bone between the ends of a wishbone, you wouldn't really be able to pull it apart, that's what the plate does.

As far as what it does to the full car in torsion, I imagine that to twist the two sides of the subfloor would have to pull apart from each other - the plate prevents that.

I'm all for cutting through the subfloor and welding the SFCs through to the subfloor - better clearance, more torsional strength, etc . . . I've posted photos before (all over the place ) but can send you a link.