Firewall project

[pro70z28]

I used a Roland SolJet Pro II printer.

[pro70z28]

Had a little time today to work on the "Z". I straightened up a couple places on the firewall so I'd have a straight clean edge to start rebuilding. Then I made one of the two wells the intercooler tubes will pass through. I might use this one or I may try another approach. I'd like the mating surface to be a little smoother than this one. [shrinker sorta' wrinkled it a little]. This is my first attempt at any ''real'' metal shaping so there may be a few trial & error attempts on this deal.

[On fire most of the time]

Best thing I can suggest to massage the wrinkles is a toe dolly and a flat face hammer. Then grab a 4 1/2" with a brown or red scotchbrite pad on there. It'll smooth it out pretty quick.

Still looking good. Everything seems to be coming together.

The shrinker does tend to wrinkle the steel, but since you've already welded it together, I'd say you'd be alright with the hammer and dolly, as far as being able to flatten it out anyway.

Its nice to see someone making better progress on their project than I've been able to manage though.

I just got some parts for my chevy truck...finally. Complete 454 and a TH400...I can send some pics if you'd like...but it'll still be a month till it goes into the truck. The 7 is waiting on a haltech. And I'm waiting on some tig parts that are currently in the mail.

I cant wait till teleporters are the norm for shipping packages.

[J C]

Nice work. Keep the pics coming.

[pro70z28]

I changed up the design of the firewall some. The change affected the shape of the intercooler flange wells. I decided to stamp the parts, I guess mainly because I wanted to give stamping a try.
I cut dies out of 3/4" MDF board & stamped the sheet metal on the press.



then I rough trimmed the parts.



cleaned them up



Welded the front & back halves together

[pro70z28]

Once I had the tube flanges where I wanted them I welded them together.



Sorry I got carried away on the project & by the time I remembered to take pictures I had the outlet tube firewall sheet metal done.
This is the firewall before...



and with the intercooler tubes part of the sheet metal in place.

[pro70z28]

The inlet side is just a simple pie plate deal that will be trimmed & welded into the firewall eventually.
The outlet side was a little more complicated. I didn't want to run the plumbing off to the side (the way it's usually done). I wanted the carb hat facing straight back. Also, the engine is set back about 4" from the stock location. So, the 4" inlet tube has about 3/8" clearance between the windshield and about 1" clearance for the distributor. It's all pretty close but it fits. . The "through the firewall sheet metal'' for the inlet tube ended up looking sorta like shoving the flange through a hefty hefty trash bag.

...and here's what it looks like from "the office".

[On fire most of the time]

As always, you never cease to amaze. Still rockin on with that good work. But you dont need me to tell you that.

Its a long long road...but I want to see that beast when its finally done!

[pro70z28]

Thanks On Fire. yes, it's been a long haul and still a long way to go. Got too many things goin'*on & this project finds itself on the bottom of the list most of the time. forgot I took some shots of the process when I stamped the shallower inlet side.

I cut the 3/4" MDF out on the CNC. I gave one side 1/8" clearance for the metal and the other side the circle press fit into the MDF.





This made the die the right depth (I needed it to be stamped 1/2" deep for the right offset). It also made it easy to register the die halves.





Once out of the press all I had to do was hammer the tucks and it's ready to trim to the firewall. The firewall that doesn't exist yet.

[pro70z28]

Got a little more done on the firewall this weekend between honey -do projects.

I made a hammer form out of a 2x4 on the band saw to match the contour of the firewall and beat some metal into submission. Still needs a little hammering but it's close enough for a test fit.




I decided to do recessed panels on the sides & I think I'll do raised panels on the front, but I've changed my mind so many times already, who knows.





This part of the firewall will get welded to the body. The rest will get welded to the chassis and the 2 will be bolted or riveted together (blind seam) from the inside



I think I spent more time in the lawn chair thinkin' about this than actually working on it. I kept changing the plans until I had a headache & finally decided to just do something. If it doesn't work I'll start over. I want to be able to take the body off, so that's why it's going to be a 2 pc. deal. Sort of the same reason I spent all that time on the billet aluminum hinges rather than just welding them to the chassis. Keeping the "A" pillars I'll still be able to use stock door weatherstripping and boxing in the firewall under the windshield I'll be able to keep the stock windshield wipers, got to keep it street legal right?

[On fire most of the time]

Definitely should. You'll HAVE to pick up groceries in it at least once.

Looking good though, I'd say you're onto something. Good use of Cleco's too!

[pro70z28]

Thanks On Fire. Got a little more done on the firewall this weekend, Welded a few of the small pieces to some of the medium sized pieces.

[pro70z28]

Made another piece for the inlet side of the intercooler tonight.

[pro70z28]

And got a panel installed.







I roughed up the back of the panel & the chassis tubes with 80 grit on the angle grinder, then glued it in with fusion body panel adhesive.

[pro70z28]

Added a couple more pieces to the puzzle this afternoon.