boot repair panel

when replacing a boot floor panel on a 300 tdi disco, can you put the new one over top the old one , or do you have to cut out the old floor ? can the new panel be pop riveted in , or must it be welded? any advise on this would be much appreciated.

terry wordley said:

when replacing a boot floor panel on a 300 tdi disco, can you put the new one over top the old one , or do you have to cut out the old floor ? can the new panel be pop riveted in , or must it be welded? any advise on this would be much appreciated.

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The issue here is related to what mot inspectors will accept when the vehicle is in front of them.

Some will say that the new panel must be installed exactly as per the original, which means spot-welded.

I installed a new panel with pop rivets, after removing the old one and this has passed two Contrôle Technique visits.

The floor has to come out to do so drill out all the spot welds,, 1 tip from one newbie to another is the spot removel drill bit from screwfix around £7 one lasted the entire job (draper one lasts about 20 holes apperently) including drilling the new floor for plug welding, which the mot tester will want to see (original construction) others will argue but when you have gone to that much trouble getting it out seems a shame to do half a job which may come back and bite ya

Probably best to weld it in as stated. I have seen a piece on the difflock website where someone riveted one in, and as it has a seperate chassis i can't see why it can't be riveted or bonded in place.But i would go for the welding option.