Bracing floor channel support rail ?

[screamin reel]

I noticed all of my floor channel support rails are cracked. Should I just grind and re-weld or does everybody do something else to strengthen these.

 

[malcolmzilla]

Weld 'em up. If its really bad, break a patch piece out of some 18 ga.

 

[screamin reel]

Thanks Malcolm.
Not that bad. Just cracked at a 45 so I'll clean them up and re-weld.

 

[trailpsycho]

They probably arent cracked, if you have ever tried to fold a piece that has a 90 degree bend in it (like angle iron for example), you would understand. They notch it so it can be bent and the two ends (approximately) meet; they are then held in that position by being tack-welded to the floor pans which reinforces/shores it all up. I just got done re-freshing my pans and tunnel area and I am trying to remember if mine were relieved like I just described...I want to say yes, but now that I have thought about it, no, no they were not, from the factory they are not relieved instead they actually over bend them to where there is a bit of a gap there at the corner there (on mine anyway). If anyone else has previously done the floors or repaired the channel on your truck, I would guess that they corrected this by relieving the corner and making the edges meet the panel flush. I did this with mine at the top of the hump plus I removed much of the brace there in the center to accomodate my NV4500 and installed a 3/4" sq tube sub-frame for floor support and quick drivetrain access.

In short, once you are otherwise done working on your floors, then weld the seam or "crack" and you should be fine. Weld-thru primer is your friend. Best of luck.

John

 

[z70what]

mine were the SAME way... i just cleaned them up and welded 'em up...figured it couldn't hurt.


Luke

 

[Broncitis]

They are mitered from the factory, not cracked. Although a few tack welds or a small bead would not hurt if it makes you feel better.

 

[screamin reel]

I can see where they are mitered but without the support of the floor pan they droop about 25 degrees. I would think it should be able to support it's own weight.
I will clean them up and throw a few tack welds on them.

 

[Salgood]

The previous owner of my 1969 cut mine out completely!!!!! SO the NP435 could stick thru ----- I am brainstorming on how to fix this as well....any ideas???