TR2/3/3A TR3 boot deck

[bnw]

The Boot deck of my 57 smallmouth has "popped" down bowing into the spare tire compartment. I can "pop" it back up but it won't stay. Any suggestions??

 

[MDCanaday]

The strength of the trunk floor is in the "Coined "sections, the ridges if smashed down, will cause an oil can effect.You need to find a small hydralic ram and a dolly to work the floor back into shape.A board under the ram is a must as well as some skill at metal work.Extreme cases require heat to shrink the damaged steel.Often a tr3 has some residual collision damages causing the floor to be compressed in an area.The pre 60000 cars are more prone to problems since the floor is flatter.
MD(mad dog)

 

[bnw]

You are exactly right. My car has been raced, crashed, rolled , and I will never know the extent of it. I have followed your advice but all I seem to do is pop it up and when I let the jack loose, it pops back down again. Where/when would I add some heat?

 

[MDCanaday]

The area that drops down is where the tensions of the steel are highest.Jack it up to hold it in place then try to restore the coined ridges.Heat can help you shrink and relieve stress in the metal caused by damages.Take the highest point of the oil can and heat a dime sized area red,hammer it down gently till it is flat, cool with a wet rag.Repeat as needed till you have tightened up the pan.
However one thing that you must do first on a Tr3 is check for any signs of leaking gas!!!The acetylene torch will cause the floor problems to seem minor very quickly,as you race to save your home and your life!!
MD(mad dog)