Red translucent panel riveted over a rectangular cut in a metal…

Along the front edge, the screw tips MAY contact the beam under the floor. To avoid this, position the plate slightly rearward when marking the cut lines.

Tighten the screws enough to form a good seal, but don't strip them. If the drill tip breaks off a screw before its hole is drilled, swap it into an existing hole & reuse the good screw.

This was done on a hot day, so the sealant was squeezed out slightly.

After the floor cover is laid back down, this mod should be undetectable, even from below since the fuel tank hides it.

If future access is needed, remove the screws & pry up the plate. Heat will make it easier, and the sealant I use (Tacky Tape) can be reused indefinitely. It never cures, & only dries temporarily in extreme cold. Otherwise, it always has the consistency of chewed gum.

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Butyl windshield sealant works equally well, but is slightly messier. It's what Ford used on the transmission tunnel plates in these trucks.

Owner caption June 2009 · Photo 2673 of 5000