Welding in SFC's...removing the interior?

[lvs2playonwater]

I talked today to a local welder/speedshop/race car builder about welding in some SFC's into my '02 Camaro. He kinda surprised me when he said he would not do it unless I completely removed the interior first. As in all of the plastic, seats, carpet, even the door panels....

I've searched and read nearly all of the posts about SFC's and don't recall anyone mentioning having to do this. I respect this guys work and was curious if he is just being overly cautious about catching the car on fire or maybe isn't familiar with our cars.

He suggested bolt-in ones which also suprised me coming from a welder by trade. I don't want to open that entire debate, I think there is a consensus on here about which is better. But, I'll have to think hard about the difference if its going to take that much work! Agggg...

[ssms5411]

Re: Welding in SFC's...removing the interior?

I think his just covering himself in case he does get it too hot or burns through the botom of your car, I just left the interior in and kept a eye on the interior. I also didn't weld too long in one place, just tacked it up and went back to each spot later and filled it in. Good luck, you could also get bolt in's and weld them on later also. Just an idea.

[V6Bob]

Re: Welding in SFC's...removing the interior?

It depends on the skill and experience of the welder.

I'd look for someone with more experience with sfcs. For a number of reasons.

[lvs2playonwater]

Re: Welding in SFC's...removing the interior?

Thx guys,

Wanted to make sure I was not missing something obvious when I read thru all of the prior postings...

I'll keep looking for another shop.

[hockeyman]

Re: Welding in SFC's...removing the interior?

If he's that fearful with the interior, what's he gonna do or say about the fuel lines which are WAY closer??? It sounds like he's trying cover his grounds, but also sounds like inexperience too.

I welded mine in with everything intact. I just put a piece of canvas around the fuel lines just to keep the weld-spit away from them.

Do your research. Don't just take these to any "shmoe" that has a welder. It's absolutely critical that they are installed properly, or your car's alignment will be thrown off permanently. One small mistake can give you alot of heartache in the long run.

http://forum.camarov6.com/showthread...s+installation


http://forum.camarov6.com/showthread...s+installation

[black98V6]

Re: Welding in SFC's...removing the interior?

had a speed shop do mine, they were prettymuch recommended by all the local guys at LS1.com (back when it was jumping) the guy that did the install didn't cover nothing or worry about the interior just put the car in the air disconnected the battery and went to work. Mine also weld to where the tunnel brace goes but other than that noting comes anywhere near close to metal that is close to the interior. nothing that close to the fuel lines either.

[Chaotic Firebird]

Re: Welding in SFC's...removing the interior?

I had my mechanic do my install [he specializes in custom exhaust]. He knew to be careful about making it too hot with a continuous weld line. So he used a drive-on lift with some jacks to hold the sfc in place while he spot welded each side of the sfc. Let them cool and continued spot welding until he had a complete weld around the bars.