floor braces for bucket seats necessary?

[goose69]

Ok, so this might just be a stupid question but I'm installing bucket seats into my 66 Belvedere where there use to be a bench from factory (car was bought with c-body buckets someone else installed). My question is, is there another reason other than strengthening the floor a bit to add the floor braces? And why are they only on the inside (toward the trans tunnel) 2 mounting places and not on the outside 2? Are these even necessary? Feedback and pics of people's floor pans would be appreciated.

 

[hunt2elk]

The outboard studs are already going through reinforced brackets. I would weld in the inner brackets also if it were mine. I've seen cars that had been converted to buckets with no inner braces and the floor was actually torn on the front right drivers side. These were 4-speed cars, but I am sure autos could tear also.

 

[eldubb440]

you could probably back it up with a big washer as an easy fix

 

[YY1]

I'm using nuts from a 5th Ave.

On these cars they changed the design.

They eliminated the welded in brace and changed the nut to have a very large, and thick captive washer.

The washer is about three times as big around and twice as thick as your typical 66-74 seat track to floor nut.

 

[goose69]

The outboard studs are already going through reinforced brackets. I would weld in the inner brackets also if it were mine. I've seen cars that had been converted to buckets with no inner braces and the floor was actually torn on the front right drivers side. These were 4-speed cars, but I am sure autos could tear also.

That was my assumption but wanted to ask. I have some heavy gauge sheet metal (12 & 14 gauge) I can my own braces. I will be doing something to reinforce tho. This is an auto car but am pushing the high 400hp range and further with the blue baby bottle on it so reinforcement will be a good idea, lol.

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you could probably back it up with a big washer as an easy fix

That was how I had them in temporarily, lol. Will probably weld in my own braces and backing.

 

[patrick66]

You definitely want braces, no matter what. Get in a severe-enough accident and you'll see why.

 

[goose69]

You definitely want braces, no matter what. Get in a severe-enough accident and you'll see why.

That's true!

 

[Belle66]

Not knowing right from wrong, When I replaced the floor pans in my 66 bel, and re-installed the 1972 Chevelle bucket seats I formed and welded in doubler plates and used big washers well.

 

[goose69]

Thank you for all your guy's responses and help.