an alternative to the method above to get off the crap is to use a metal wire cup brush. you can attach it to a drill and make quick work out of removing the big pieces. remember too that if you want to apply por-15 or the like, there needs to be rust for the por-15 to adhere to.

also behind the firewell wall right behind the pedals is a layer of black foam that is *highly* flammable. when i was repairing/welding my 87, i read on one of the posts to be careful of this. i pulled out a little piece and boy whoever wrote this was right. so if you are going to use any type of flame source to remove the crap, DON'T. you've been warned!