Manx Club

So the clutch peddle on our buggy has been very loose at the top 2-3". I found that the hole that the pin goes through on the clutch pedal shaft had been elongated. When I removed the pedal assembly to replace it, I found that all three of the mounting points for the clutch tube had broken away and the tube was floating loose. Any ideas as to the best way to fix this? I have reviewed this site;

http://www.thebugshop.org/bsfqtube.htm in addition to several threads on The Samba and this thread here; http://www.manxclub.com/forum/viewtopic ... lit=clutch

Do I need to re-weld all three spots, or can I get away with welding just the front and the back of the tube?
Should I cut the access in the side of the tunnel or go through the bottom (going through the bottom means I don't have to remove the passenger seat)?
Should I do a round hole, square cut or an inverted 'V'-cut and bend the flap out of the way to do the repair (and retain maximum strength)?

Trying to get this done as quickly as possible so we can get to Laughlin in two weeks.

Here is a reply posted at RBC Dune Buggy

http://rbcdunebuggy.yuku.com/topic/3753 ... ems?page=3

After some research, and speaking with Melfol and Jon from Topline, I decided to go through the bottom of the pan (several threads suggested that is the best method, but no one posted exactly how to do it...). While Jon said he had never heard of anyone going through the bottom (he thought it would be too much work), I didn't want to ruin the integrity of the tunnel seeing how we abuse our poor little buggies. In addition, going through the side would mean not only pulling at least one seat (the way mine are mounted makes it a PITA to R&R), I would have to pull our center console which houses the radio and some light switches (and to get that out, I would most likely have to remove the shifter). So far I've cut two holes in the bottom and bolted the center mount back into position (and ready for welding). Not too difficult. Once I find someone to weld, I'll get it all buttoned back up and ready for the run. I'll post some pics when it's all done.