FJ Cruiser: Attaching the Platform Ribs...

I'm still working on the platform/storage compartment for the FJ Cruiser.  A few days ago I completed the “ribs” that connect the fore and aft bulkheads.  The connection between these pieces has to be strong, but removable (to allow access to certain parts of the FJ, for repair or modification).  To make these joints, I used a pair of angle iron brackets permanently attached to the bulkheads, spaced so that a rib could slip between them.  Bolts hold the rib in place.  The process looked like this:

Marking the centers of the holes needed, with an automatic center punch...

Drilled pilot holes, using a backer board to prevent splintering.  The pilot holes basically transfer the position of the holes from the side I marked (opposite of what you're seeing here) to the side I'm going to drill the real hole from.  This was necessary because the real hole is countersunk, and must be drilled from this side...

The angle iron brackets in place, bolted and glued to the forward bulkhead...

Assembled - a nice, strong joint!