Hi Ollie.

I used to have a problem with the Pearl's floor bending under the passenger's feet, due to a restorer in the past having used plain sheet to repair it. The swage lines in the original really do increase it's stifffness. My repair solution was to get some galvanised "Herringbone Joist Struts" from Wickes. Look up HSA 400, 450 or 600. These are long metal strips about an inch wide with a preformed swage line. I stitch bolted them to the underside of the floor with a series of small countersunk screws and nuts (I don't have a welder). A big improvement for a small outlay, and hardly visible once painted.

Location: New Forest

My special has a plywood floor but I have wooden supports under it that sit on the chassis rails. I believe this is similar to what Stuart mentions. I described it here: http://www.asciimation.co.nz/austin7/?p=575



They attach to the floor, not the chassis.

Simon

Location: Wellington

I think it is quite normal for the steel floor panels in Austin 7's to flex a bit. On my Ulster I added an extra pair of steel brackets fixed on top of the rear X-member either side of the transmission tunnel. These help support the floor under your backside where it is most needed. I also fixed a couple of pieces of 2" x 1" hardwood across the floor to retain the seat bases. This also helps stiffen the floor. Then fit some rubber matting and you don't need to worry about it!