[HoovDaddy]

I think that will be a good first weld project. What type of steel have you been practicing with?

Replacing the pan is pretty easy. You will have to drill out the spot welds on the support you are saving. Once you have the new part in-hand you can lay out the cut lines. You'll cut out the old lower portion and lay the new piece on top of the old trunk surround. The original GM steel you're plug welding to, needs to be solid, as well as the support you are saving. You might consider replacing both supports. The pan will require lots of trimming and fitting.

I would purchase the parts from Ames though.