Floorpan cross tube thingies, Best way to cut them out? Options

[campbellcj]

I finally made some more progress on the car this weekend -- finished the engine compartment side of the fuel line and Weber fuel bar replacement, redid the rear f/g bumper mountings (dzus) and pulled the seat to begin a bunch of interior stuff.

To mount my new seats, I will need to channel or completely remove the box section that goes across the floor pans (i.e. approx. under your knees). The seats will be on alloy sidemounts that are bolted directly to the floor, which I'll reinforce a bit.

Question is, should I hunt down a plasma cutter or cutting torch (i.e. pay a shop) or can this be done decently with what I've got, i.e. just about anything else (cutoffs, grinders, drills, etc)??? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) I don't want to butcher the floors as they're fairly clean and I don't have a welder, either. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

Thanks again 914 gurus! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/pray.gif)

[SirAndy]

plasma cutter is the easiest. just remember to angle it up a little bit, otherwise you'll torch through the floorpan. it also helps to have the tar removed prior (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

i supose a cutoffwhell would do the job too.
i'm not sure, is the crossbar spot-welded? if so, you could try to drill them out and remove it as a whole.

ADDED:
if you go with the plasma cutter cut about 5mm above the floorpan to avoid melting the floor.


Andy