Replace Firewall or Patch?

[palerider94]

I've got a 66 vert I'm restoring that has some pretty major rust issues. I've recently cut out the cowl and need to replace upper and lower cowl and side panels. The firewall has rust on both outer ends that will need to be patched and the rust thru on driverside floor has moved up pretty high on driver side to around the steering column hole. Little new to metal work (although this is my second cowl replacement and it does not get any easier). I am debating if I should just replace full firewall or patch.

I've already bought the firewall even though they make patches for areas I need. By the time I add up the individual pieces it's not that much more cost plus driver side patch did not appear to go up as high as I needed it.

Just looking for some advice from anyone that has replaced the firewall and how big of a job it was. Also concerend about how to support the car thru the process.

I can try posting some pics if that would help. Any advice would be appreciated.

thanks

 

[gr8one]

for me its always easier to replace a complete than to patch a panel.take for example to put an 80% quater panel you have to about 3 feet along the body line spot weld the wheel wells, its cheaper, but to repalce the whole qauter panel you only have to spot weld at the roof line inside the corners of the truck. and along the wheel wells. but the complete is around $400 and an 80% only cost a $100-$125, but if you cant install them than add about $80-$100 per hour to install.

unless you have small patchs to make.