I got a decision to make regarding the firewall, need some advice.

[BlackGMC]

Well today I finished removing the rest of the passenger side floor board. Good news is that the only rust was on the the floor board itself. Everything else is good.

Now the decision. I was planning on removing a portion of the firewall so I could smooth it out. But now I am thinking of removing the entire firwall and replacing it with 1 sheet of 16-18 gauge steel. When I mean all, I mean ALL. Take a look at the pic below. The red is where I am going to cut and place the new sheet in.

These are the Pros and Cons
Pros:
1. It will look bad a**.
2. It will take car of all the holes and stuff
3. It will be stronger (after I roll some beads into it, maybe some bracing)
4. I will be able to run the brake and clutch pedal I want ( http://www.wilwood.com/Products/005-...mtmc/index.asp)
5. I would be able to recess the firewall, elminating that ac/heater pludge
6. It would allow me to push the engine back into the towards the firewall at least a few inches.

Cons:
1. It would be difficult, but not something I could not do.
2. AC/Heater space would be limited.
3. Lining up steering wheel would be difficult
4. The passenger side fender apron would need some metal added to meet the firewall.

What do yall think? Tell me I am not crazy!!!

 

[68stang351]

I think it would be cool. It's something you don't see much on a Mustang. It sounds to me like you may have the technical expertise and creativity to work out the other problems too, like the a/c stuff and steering column.

 

[mattrod70]

i agree, it would look real cool with just a couple beads in it. if you use a vintage air setup or the lie designed for a street rod you should be sble to fit it in a pretty small space. all the fab stuff you can definately do.

i say go for it, but probably just because i have a 70 coupe and was contemplateing many of the mods you have done or are proposing so i just want to see it in steel

matt

 

[67 Evil Eleanor]

I think the easist way is to section it into two or three pieces. If its all solid then work in panels that are on one plane. No curves or rolls to try to duplicate. A plasma cutter would work great to remove these. Then replace them with solid gauge steel. Leave the steering wheel and brake holes as you will have to have them anyway.

 

[lauras70mach1]

Here's what I did:

View attachment 396541

 

[Travis77]

I have already cut mine out of my 67. I plan to us 16 guage material and weld a 1 inch strip all across the top to form my crown to re-attach to cowl panel. This technique would probably be easier versus using a hammer and dolly to fold a lip over. I just hope I do not warp it. I feel if you used one big piece, that you would be less likely to warp the new firewall. Of course this is only based on my ability. Doubt it helps you much, but I say go for it. Make sure to keep all of us posted.

 

[BlackGMC]

Thanks for all the advice. I am pretty sure I am going to cut it all out and weld in 1 flat piece. Should be a challenge not to mention fun!

 

[Travis77]

smoothing 67 firewall

I went to the hardware store and bought some brown hardboard to make my templet. After I cut it out I set it aside. It is very important to get the right bend at the top. I first used a metal strip of 3/16 metal. It was not stiff enough so I reinforced it with 1/2 square tubing I had laying around. After I got the right crown I wanted, I transferred it to the hardboard for the final cut out of the metal. Must say, I doubt it could fit any better. Although it did take me all day.

 

[BlackGMC]

I went to the hardware store and bought some brown hardboard to make my templet. After I cut it out I set it aside. It is very important to get the right bend at the top. I first used a metal strip of 3/16 metal. It was not stiff enough so I reinforced it with 1/2 square tubing I had laying around. After I got the right crown I wanted, I transferred it to the hardboard for the final cut out of the metal. Must say, I doubt it could fit any better. Although it did take me all day.

Sounds interesting, kinda like what I am thinking of doing. But the main question is where are the PICS?????