welding help

[kleaky88]

alrighty then, gonna be welding the following on my 1989 mini. Doorstep, narrow outer sill, jacking point and inner siil to first grove floor fix. all on the left hand side to remove the wot!! Prepped and ready to weld and I have the panels. The car is a good 1 and 1/2 foot in the air, well supported by the subframe with the wheels hanging so to speak. The outer sill has nearly fallen off and so offers no structural support to the car.

Before I start grinding it out do I need to brace the door or take any other precautions so as not to stress or twist the shell when the rot is cut out. I'm just worried that if I cut it out without somehow holding the position that it will move or put too much load on the other panels.

Advice please

[Cooperman]

Always a difficult decision.
If the engine is out and the fluids drained it's a good idea to turn the car on its side.
However, if that's not possible it is wise to leave the door frame lower section in place whilst tack welding the inner and outer sills in place together with the floor panels. So long as the door frame is there the car will not 'sag' on one side.
Once the sills are in place and tack welded you can cut out and fit and repair sections in the door frame, then go on to finally weld everything up and gring back the welds.
Some body experts reckon all that's not necessary and they just cut it all away and weld in the new bits. I guess you take your choice.