The area that is being lowered to fit the stove in there is actually part of the floor in the lower area. We didn't think it would be possible to get that part lowered just because of the wheel well, but, were thrilled to hear it wouldn't be a problem. The area has been lowered and welded and will also have sheet metal all around it to protect it from the elements. Since Ron plans to enclose the inside with plywood, like the rest of the bus, an extra 2 inches of the upper floor area needed to be cut out as well, so he'd have room to put it all in around the stove. It looks a little weird when viewed outside the bus, but, the finished product will look normal from inside the bus.