Install floor panels first?

[Frank818]

Looking at the build manual and thinking logically, since the floor panels (say the under tray battery, seats and engine bay) are the lowest part of the car and no wire or tubing will go lower, is it fair to think they can be installed one of the first things in the build process?

Now my kit is at my friend's shop, since he has a lift, I thought I could install most of the underneath panels and be left with those in need of adjustments like splitter, diffuser, etc. Otherwise I have to tow the car back again to the shop, lift it and fit the panels. I would want to do all I can at the shop while it's on a lift.

[dougkirkbride]

I am actually going to wait till most everything else is done before doing the bottom. that way i can access/see things such as clearances and interferances while assembling. Buttoning up the bottom i dont see as an issue. maybe you could drive it to the guys shop once done and put the under panels on. JMO

[Frank818]

You're right, makes sense to see everything better. I'll wait till the end, then.

I can't drive it cuz I can't plate it until the bottom is fitted. Towing's not a big deal, I was just trying to figure out a good reason to tow it back. You gave me that reason. :)

[STiPWRD]

It wouldn't hurt to do the drilling while the car is on the lift as this will be the most time consuming part. The riveting can be done later on. I'm waiting to install the floor after I install the seats.

[Frank818]

Nice idea for splitting the work like that. :)

[svanlare]

I have the same plan as STiPWRD, getting the panels drilled, but only going to do the install after the seats and seat belts are sorted out.

[longislandwrx]

I just worried about dropping a wrench/drill/hammer on the aluminum floor and putting a big dent. I drilled clecoed and then removed the floor and stored.. agreed once the seats are in rivet it up.

[Brando]

I assume your seat bolts enter from the bottom of the car. How do you install a panel on top of those bolts?
I did panel first then seats.

[FFRSpec72]

I just worried about dropping a wrench/drill/hammer on the aluminum floor and putting a big dent. I drilled clecoed and then removed the floor and stored.. agreed once the seats are in rivet it up.

No worries here as mine are 1/8th inch steel as I don't want anything o the track to come up through the floor

[RM1SepEx]

wait for the floor, typical wrong order in the manual. I folled their direction, made the seats much more difficult

[ehansen007]

wait for the floor, typical wrong order in the manual. I folled their direction, made the seats much more difficult

Agreed

[Frank818]

Seats, then floor. But still possible to drill the holes before.

[Canadian818]

I'm ordering some 10/32 rivnuts and using button head bolts to mount the under seat section. Figured I'll want to drop it every winter for cleaning, as I'm sure it'll get dirty in under the seats.

[AZPete]

I'm ordering some 10/32 rivnuts and using button head bolts to mount the under seat section. Figured I'll want to drop it every winter for cleaning, as I'm sure it'll get dirty in under the seats.

I noticed in Aloha's build thread that he added an aluminum sheet on top of the frame under the seats. Now I'm thinking this may prevent stuff (coins, gummy bears, fries, etc.) from hiding down there and could be filled with insulation for sound control. Now my seats are in, but removable, and the panel is drilled and cleco'd on.