"P.E." wrote in message
m...


3. If I raise the header all the way up to the floor plate above, with
no space, then what is the difference in removing it altogether? Since
that plate is supported on both ends. This span is about 50 inches
long.

By chance did you happen to notice that the studs through your house are 16
inches on center? And now you have to ask again if it's OK to have a 50 inch
gap in the studs without a header, and under a second story no less. As I
stated in another post, you need to get someone in that has some idea about
building codes before you either wreck the house or get it condemned by the
building inspectors.

Tom J