Panel Trimming Question

[Traveller]

I am fitting and drilling panels and have a question about this one - it is the passenger floor panel which also forms the side of the trans tunnel.

I have it fitted and have 3 issues/questions that I would appreciate your input on:

1) The panel as it covers the side of the trans tunnel is flush with the frame at the front end, but protrudes above the frame as you move to the rear (by about 3/8" at the rear most point). See pics below. There are no welds or anything raising the panel other than the 4" round tube of the chassis. I assume this needs to be trimmed flush with the frame, correct?
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=120112&d=1578267517
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=120114&d=1578267575

2) Regarding the same panel where it forms the side of the trans tunnel: it appears there are no rivets on the side of the trans tunnel except along the top once the top cover is on. Is this correct? I ask because there are gaps between the aluminum panel and the cross braces of the tunnel which, if riveted, would bow the aluminum inward.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=120113&d=1578267533

3) I assume we should drop a few rivets into the plate which forms the floor of the chassis, correct?
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=120115&d=1578268676

Thank you!
-Jason

[Papa]

Here is a picture of my floor on the passenger side and you can see where I used rivets.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=84508&d=1524419123

If the panel is flat on the bottom and not flexing, then I'd recommend trimming it. Just be absolutely sure it is sitting properly as it isn't common to need to trim the floor panels.

Here's another:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=84517&d=1524419629

Be sure to fit all the cockpit aluminum before cutting anything.

Dave

[edwardb]

1. I've had to trim the top of that piece a bit, but not that much. As already stated, make sure the floor is dead flat on the frame and all the other pieces fit properly before trimming anything.

2. You're right. That trans side panel doesn't touch much of that frame diagonal. It does for a bit at the back above the seat belt tab, so I put a few rivets there. But nowhere else on the diagonal.

3. I don't put rivets through the seat pan. I just don't like seeing the crushed end of the pop rivets on the bottom. (OK, that's OCD, I know...) My method is I put beads of silicone on the seat pan, same as everywhere else, then set the floor in place and rivet all the rest of the normal places. Then I put a weight in the floor pan area and let it sit overnight. I use a high precision cinder block. :rolleyes: Bonds just fine, and later when the seats are installed will also have through bolts. Not going anywhere.