question about the trunk removal

[absintheisfun]

Okay...I have this problem where I can get over-excited about a project and I tend to "put the cart in front of the horse"

Well,
I started cutting out panels today...at least the trunk pan.

The plan for the rear:
save the quarters if possible--so far it looks possible
put in the TCI 4-link (its better than leaf-springs, and it ain't all that expensive..
cut out the inner wheel wells and move them in a little (What people did before DSE made a kit fo the mini-tub.)

Now,
understand that I am learning a lot about the process as I'm going--soooooo

While I have a huge hole in my trunk and I can move around a little, is there anything that I should do PRIOR to welding in a new floor?

Also, will having this hole there for an extended period of time cause any negative effects on the body flex? (its sitting still and will not be moving--it has no motor!

thanks in advance for the advice!

-mcw