I discovered that the front lower seat cushion is easily removable, leaving plenty of room to remove the floor panel.  I may still remove the seat, but I don't have to at this time.

Rust?  I'm sure the rust stops in the front pan and doesn't continue under the seat!  :o  Seriously, I know you are right, but I really want to focus on the brakes.  My goal is to drive the car around the block this summer and I need brakes to do that.  Knowing how things go, if I try to remove the seat I will end up with broken bolts and won't be able to get the seat back in.

I reckon I would take the seat out, you may find rust under there that needs a bit of attention anyhow. lol
Should only be 4 bolts to take it out,( and get someone to help lift it out), unless the bolts are rusted in, that was my problem, terrible. Think "No Rust" "No rust" .  Good luck with yours.
SD Glenn

Must you remove the front seat to get the front floor pan out of a 1942?  Mine is ready to come out but I can't slide it back far enough to tilt it up under the dash or forward enough to tilt it up in front of the seats.  Thx.