Jackpoint/Lift Channel fixing

All,
The jackpoints on my wifes Beetle have ridden up over the years it seems. I can cut the jackpoints off the pan and chassis, but the question is :

Is the "support panel" separate from the heater channel, and could I fab/weld up a new section of it so the jackpoints are level once again?

I figure the running boards will have a fixing/replacing session as well as the ends of the jackpoints have crushed these a little as well....

Thanks in advance
Ctefeh

Errrrr........no-one has ever fixed a jackpoint or the support plate??? Am I going to wield gas-axe, cutoff wheel and Mig blindly?:duh

I'll check later when I'm back from travelling......