Baja's on its side

So we could close up the cross-member to heater channel area and access the underbelly for cleaning, painting etc. Matt and me lifted the bodyshell into the garage and turned it onto its side.
Sitting on an old mattress it looks exposed and vulnerable, hopefully it won't get like this during use......
I drive like a loon offroad so better consider fitting a roll cage at some point methinks!

Matt cleaning the area for welding

Welding pigeon helped join the metal

Dressed back and zinc primed
Better get jiggy with the wire-wheel and some paint, there's plenty to do!

Back on the Baja

Now that the front of the Baja is pretty much complete it was time to get busy at the back end.
We set about removing the rear cross-member panels.

First job was to remove all the factory spot welds.

Removal was quite easy and soon the new panels were sliding into place, the old scrap floorpan was used for alignment and location.

Fits like it ought.

Both panels are now fitted and welded in, this job was done outside as the weather was nice and outside isn't as crowded as my garage!

The rear "boot" floor has not been welded to the cross-members at this point as I may well remove some or all of this area to allow for engine/gearbox fitment and future maintenance.