firewall replacement.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
firewall replacement.
looking at a project. light engine fire. left fender a little cooked on top near firewall. master cyl is roasted pretty good. there is 1 pic of wires by fusebox with melt damage around wire harness, but fusebox looks ok. there are no interior pics, but windshield is intact and shows no soot on it. wiper door is still the color of the car, not cooked. can firewall be replaced without lifting body off chassis? if not, can body be lifted with standard engine cherry picker? what does the body, without nose weigh? coupe. and roughly what percentage of market value would a hulk like this be worth? rear clip, doors, wheels make it LOOK like it was a nice car before fire. it is a car that can't be viewed till after sale, unfortunately. I have been a backyard a$$hole mech for over 40 years and do copiers for a living so i know electrical issues better than most.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
so you can cut the top section and replace reasonably? i have seen a couple of sections on ebay decent money. how late a firewall will work in this car? just found this car this morning and i figured here is best place to get opinions on it's doability. and i assume any firewall work will be mucho easier with no engine-trans in the way?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,214
Likes: 4,302
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi dd,
If you get a look at the AIM for the year car you're considering you'll see that the firewall is made up of several pieces that are bonded together.
Depending on just where the damage is you may be able to just replace those damaged areas if they are somewhat confined.
I'd certainly take a look at that possibility before considering a complete fiberglass cowl replacement.
In my 71 AIM the info is shown in UPC1, sheets A13 through about A17.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Sheet A13 shows the 'top' piece which might be just what you need.
If you get a look at the AIM for the year car you're considering you'll see that the firewall is made up of several pieces that are bonded together.
Depending on just where the damage is you may be able to just replace those damaged areas if they are somewhat confined.
I'd certainly take a look at that possibility before considering a complete fiberglass cowl replacement.
In my 71 AIM the info is shown in UPC1, sheets A13 through about A17.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Sheet A13 shows the 'top' piece which might be just what you need.
Last edited by Alan 71; Sep 3, 2015 at 10:32 AM.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
ok, where do i get an AIM? and are they diff for each year? or is most info good across several years? i also have a 75 i lucked into that is all around pretty nice. also if dash has to come out anyway and redo wiring harness, i am considering installing fact air into it. i know, vintage is easier and cheaper in the long run...
Last edited by derekderek; Sep 3, 2015 at 10:43 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,214
Likes: 4,302
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi dd,
The cowl area fiberglass is similar for many years but there were some subtle changes.
It will take an experienced fiberglass person (Dub?) to know what will fit and what won't, or some detective work on your part.
The AIM is specific for each year, but there is certainly 'carry-over' from year to year.
The AIM is available from many of the larger venders… usually about $20 +-.
Regards,
Alan
The cowl area fiberglass is similar for many years but there were some subtle changes.
It will take an experienced fiberglass person (Dub?) to know what will fit and what won't, or some detective work on your part.
The AIM is specific for each year, but there is certainly 'carry-over' from year to year.
The AIM is available from many of the larger venders… usually about $20 +-.
Regards,
Alan
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,753
From: Charlotte NC
looking at a project. light engine fire. left fender a little cooked on top near firewall. master cyl is roasted pretty good. there is 1 pic of wires by fusebox with melt damage around wire harness, but fusebox looks ok. there are no interior pics, but windshield is intact and shows no soot on it. wiper door is still the color of the car, not cooked. can firewall be replaced without lifting body off chassis?
It depends if the firewall can be sectioned in .....while the body is on the frame.
I know some people have used it...I know I would not. I use a chain joist (1/2 ton)...or my lift.
IF you are referring to the 'nose'...as being the FRONT CLIP. About 600 pounds as an estimate. I have never needed any reason to weight the cab section (stripped out). And I can tell you...that if you use the straps and lift the 'body' WITHOUT the front clip attached...it will be really rear end heavy and tilt like crazy. The front clip keeps it level.
and roughly what percentage of market value would a hulk like this be worth? rear clip, doors, wheels make it LOOK like it was a nice car before fire. it is a car that can't be viewed till after sale, unfortunately. I have been a backyard a$$hole mech for over 40 years and do copiers for a living so i know electrical issues better than most.
DUB
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