Bus seat rail removal???

[ZoomerVanGough]

Hi all, my first post here! I’m a new owner of a 2008 Thomas mid size (28 feet). I am planning on a roof raise and in the middle of demolition work. I have seen repeated references to the structural reliance of the seat rails. I don’t seem to see the necessity in my bus. I will post pictures if I am able, but it looks like the steel floor bends up along the edges and the hat channel is welded to it. The side panels also are the same thickness and one piece from bottom of window to floor. I am no engineer, so I feel unqualified to make an absolute determination, so I would love some opinions on this. Thanks, Mark

[o1marc]

The hat channels are not welded to the floor, they are attached with bolt on brackets. The chair rail ties it all together and is structural.

[ZoomerVanGough]

So in the case of being a necessary piece, if I remove for access to the wall and wall cavity below the floor, what about welding it back once the wall panel is removed?

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by ZoomerVanGough

So in the case of being a necessary piece, if I remove for access to the wall and wall cavity below the floor, what about welding it back once the wall panel is removed?

Weld it at every point there was a screw or rivet.