Do I need to brace shell when cutting out old outer sills

[diabloam]

Tax is up at end of the month so going to SORN it for a while and do a few jobs that need attension. Have new porsche outer sills, which I am going to tackle. But have a quick question! Am I right in assuming the outer sills arent really structural and that with 944 I will not need to brace across the door frame or anywhere else on the shell. I can just cut the old outer panel off, yes? (new sills go right from bottom of sill up to seam on door step). Also how does everybody else gone about this, as its only the very bottom of my sills that have corrosion, I am loathe to cut new genuine panels, even though my hunch is to only go to top of stone guard/underseal mark and so make it easier for me just to spray just below this edge, or should i just stick whole panel on? Thanks all

I will take a pile of photos to show everybody how i did it this as I am fairly decent on the mig and it hopefully will make a good brief guide for everybody, will post my progress

 

[944 man]

Theres no way that you can brace it. Id suggest that you place the car on firm, stable level ground, jack it up and support it on four sturdy axle stands and then leave it there for the duration of the work. So long as you dont move the vehicle after the old sills have been cut away, then it will be perfectly alright.

Simon

 

[morris944s2john]

You're not removing the inner sill and floor so should probably be OK. I would definitely brace for a convertible. If it was me replacing the whole sill (I just cut out the rusty patches and replaced those on my S2) I would tack weld a bit of box section across the door gap just to be on the safe side.

However, if you do not brace- re- fit the door and check all is well after tacking the new sill in place, before welding it in fully.

 

[George Elliott]

as above, I would say no need to brace a coupe, but put the axle stands in the correct position under the shell, (below the front crossmember, and below the torque tube) to support the shell as it is carried on the suspension. Definitely check the fit of the door and do one side at a time. I would not cut an original panel - drill out the spots and replace the whole panel.
good luck
George
944T
964

 

[diabloam]

Good stuff, was thinking it should be ok, done loadsa sills before but not on a porsche (this is my first) and wanted to double check as I have done bracing on older classics but suppose monocoque designs weren't as stiff in these days amongst other things. Will post back once I start, cheers guys

 

[morris944s2john]

The 944, like most modern cars has re-inforcing channels across the floor pab so it should be OK. Keep that side of the car level before cutting out the sill and as I said check the door still fits after tacking the new sill in place.