center tunnel strength Options

[mrbubblehead]

I am wondering how strong the center tunnel is. after seam welding and the inner long kit, would it be ok to cut the top off for access panels? they will be replaced with aluminum panels fastened with rivnuts and 5mm screws. im leaving most of shifter sheet metal to keep the shifter solid. you can see from the pictures what i intend to cut out. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i722.photobucket.com-12492-1392659784.1.jpg)
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i722.photobucket.com-12492-1392659784.2.jpg)

[mrbubblehead]

ya, thats where my idea came from. at first i thought about doing dimple died holes, to add the strength back, but the more i thought about it i dont want to have to clean out all the crap that fall down in there. thats when i thought about removing more sheet metal and replacing them with aluminum panels.

there are a few reasons for doing this. i want to blast all the rust out of there. i am going to run my wiring harness thru there instead of my fuel lines, so access would be nice. and i want to reinforce the clutch tube. i am trying to get everything done i can think of before paint. there is nothing worse the cutting and welding on fresh paint.

old yella, im not really worried about electrolysis. both surfaces will be painted.