Question about replacing area behind back seat

[scherp69]

I'm thinking that one thing I might do over the winter is replace the sheet metal that is behind the back seat and separates the trunk and the inside of the car. I've included a picture of the area I'm talking about. It's the area in red. What my question is...would I be okay just putting a flat piece of 18 gauge sheet metal in there or would there be any benefit to buying a bead roller and running some beads into the sheet metal? There's a bead roller on sale right now at one of the local tools shops, just not sure if I need to spend another $150 right now on tools if I don't need it. I know it would look better with the beads, but once the seats are in and the stereos in the trunk, you won't see that area anyways. I want to replace it to get rid of the hack job I did years ago when I mounted a couple 12" free air subs. Thanks in advance.

[Damn True]

That is a structural component of the car. Even with your holes it's stronger than a plain or even roll beaded sheet. If your goal is simply to have it smooth and painted you'd be better off riveting or body bonding a sheet of aluminum over the top and then painting or covering it with upholstery/carpet.

[The WidowMaker]

the factory piece does have some third dimension to it, but im not sure its still stronger with those holes. i cut mine out for the same reason and replaced it with a bead rolled piece. a flat piece would be too large to just weld in. dimple dies or bead roller and you would be set.

damn, id think the same arguement could be made for the firewall. a lot of guys cut theirs out and weld in a flat piece, but i actually welded over the old. you have a very valid point, but i dont see it making much of a difference in his or my case.

[1969CamaroRS]

Couple pics I found of what other people had done when I was researching the issue:




I liked the closeouts in Pic#3 but wanted something of a less permanent nature so decided to try bolting on here is a mock-up of what I am working on:


Hope this gives you a few ideas.

[scherp69]

Thanks for the replies guys and thanks for the pics Ed. I think I might just end up filling in the piece I have. The metal on my car seems to be in 3 pieces, the part with the holes is the middle section. I'll have to look at it again before I start filling or cutting.