Oval Hole in the Floor

[mattg]

I am restoring a 1935 Dodge sedan and in the floor pan above the center of the rear axle there is a 1 foot oval hole which was covered with fabric and a 4 piece metal ring riveted at the edge to retain it. I saw the same thing on a 1940 Hudson (in need of restoration) at the local AACA swap meet. I have been trying to figure out what it is for not only out of curiosity but to know what to use to cover it.

[1937hd45]

It was a cheap way of making a floor pan with clearance for the diferential when it deflected upon hitting deep potholes or running on rough roads. Good quality fabric top material should work fine as a replacement.

[Curti]

Yes, all 1934 - 1936 Auburns had the same things as well. Auburn used black convertable top material.

[mattg]

I thought that was a possibility but the car has rebound bumpers on the frame for the rear end. They did seem to over engineer things and since 2 people have the same reasoning I will go with thay explanation.

Thanks