How to make and fasten removable firewall and floor panels??
#2035184
03/20/16 05:55 PM
03/20/16 05:55 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,497 Minnesota
Hemi_Joel
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I am working on my 31 Plymouth coupe, street strip car, and I want to make the top half of the firewall removable to access the 3 master cylinders, or have an access panel. I want it to look good and seal well against fire. Any ideas? Same thing for the floor, I want to be able to quickly and easily remove the tunnel to get at the trans. Also need any hints on the best way to design and build a structure for under the floor, to support the seams and the seats. Any suggestions are appreciated. Here are some pics so you can see what I'm dealing with. Thanks, Joel
[img]http://i.imgur.com/boeexFms.jpg[/img]31 Plymouth Coupe, 392 Hemi, T56 magnum RS23J71 RS27J77 RP23J71 RO23J71 WM21J8A I don't regret the things I've done. I only regret the things I didn't do. "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something. ~ Plato"
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Re: How to make and fasten removable firewall and floor panels??
[Re: Hemi_Joel]
#2035209
03/20/16 06:37 PM
03/20/16 06:37 PM
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 52,972 Romeo MI
MR_P_BODY
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I use the dzus(sp)self ejecting ones for the fasteners.. on my stuff I rolled the tunnel and put 1/4" thick foam tape as a seal http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mor-71530/overview/EDIT I did the removeable trans tunnel on the race car out of alum.. and the street rod is alum also but its all welded(no removeable tunnel on it)..if I would have made it removeable I would have had to take a bunch of dash board out of it to get at the tunnel... but then again... I didnt expect to have to pull the trans... but that sure didnt happen
Last edited by MR_P_BODY; 03/20/16 07:40 PM.
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Re: How to make and fasten removable firewall and floor panels??
[Re: Hemi_Joel]
#2035243
03/20/16 07:40 PM
03/20/16 07:40 PM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,210 New York
polyspheric
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Yes, the Dzus are really cute and traditional, and that's where the car's budget went: braided lines etc. A quality Riv-Nut in the inner panel works very well for 5% of the price, ue a 12 point stainless Allen for show.
When deciding how to seal the join, I wouldn't trust any material not specifically rated both fire retardant (or suppressant) and petroleum solvent proof. I happened to be there when someone working on a running car with the hood up, and had a pressurized gas line leak, splashed the firewall, and the gas instantly dissolved the caulk/sealers and wicked into the driver's compartment in 10 seconds (luckily not on fire).
Boffin Emeritus
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Re: How to make and fasten removable firewall and floor panels??
[Re: Hemi_Joel]
#2035263
03/20/16 08:05 PM
03/20/16 08:05 PM
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 52,972 Romeo MI
MR_P_BODY
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Alum will pass tech... I'll look to see if I have any pics of how I did the race car... but the alum has a minimum spec on thickness
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Re: How to make and fasten removable firewall and floor panels??
[Re: Hemi_Joel]
#2035317
03/20/16 09:23 PM
03/20/16 09:23 PM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,942 Metro Detroit
OUTLAWD
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+1 on riv-nuts. Cheap and easy. I use stainless button heads.
Faster, Faster until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death...
71 Swinger - slowly collecting dust/parts 66 Belv. II - just a streetcar 88 Mustang - turbo LS beater
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Re: How to make and fasten removable firewall and floor panels??
[Re: Hemi_Joel]
#2035501
03/21/16 01:17 AM
03/21/16 01:17 AM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,210 New York
polyspheric
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I like it! Running anything that will fit through a bead roller isn't just nice cosmetically, it cuts down on "drumming" and noise transmission, helps your fasteners stay tight.
Remember, when (if) you run a carpet try to arrange it so that it separates (comes apart) where the floor panels do to minimize R&R time.
For a mixed use car, I add aluminum-foil backed jute (inexpensive) padding to the floor under the carpet to keep my feet comfortable but it's pretty thick; remember to factor this is when measuring.
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Re: How to make and fasten removable firewall and floor panels??
[Re: Hemi_Joel]
#2035523
03/21/16 02:14 AM
03/21/16 02:14 AM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,785 Utah and Alaska
astjp2
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I had a jeep that the shifter boot had a crack in it, it got so hot in the cabin area that it was almost unbearable to drive. If you have any air leaks from the firewall or floor boards, it will be miserable to drive. Tim
1941 Taylorcraft 1968 Charger 1994 Wrangler 1998 Wrangler 2008 Kia Rio 2017 Jetta
I didn't do 4 years and 9 months of Graduate School to be called Mister!
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Re: How to make and fasten removable firewall and floor panels??
[Re: Hemi Allstate]
#2035532
03/21/16 02:28 AM
03/21/16 02:28 AM
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 52,972 Romeo MI
MR_P_BODY
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I know those are Auto Meter gauges... but what series.. I'm looking for a new set with the elec speedo
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Re: How to make and fasten removable firewall and floor panels??
[Re: MR_P_BODY]
#2035537
03/21/16 02:38 AM
03/21/16 02:38 AM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,890 North Alabama
Monte_Smith
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Alum will pass tech... I'll look to see if I have any pics of how I did the race car... but the alum has a minimum spec on thickness Has to be steel under the driver
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Re: How to make and fasten removable firewall and floor panels??
[Re: Monte_Smith]
#2035540
03/21/16 02:51 AM
03/21/16 02:51 AM
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 52,972 Romeo MI
MR_P_BODY
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Alum will pass tech... I'll look to see if I have any pics of how I did the race car... but the alum has a minimum spec on thickness Has to be steel under the driver Mine sure isnt and it passes tech and they have been in it many times... maybe in your go fast class its required EDIT Did they start that recently
Last edited by MR_P_BODY; 03/21/16 03:00 AM.
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Re: How to make and fasten removable firewall and floor panels??
[Re: Hemi_Joel]
#2035556
03/21/16 04:24 AM
03/21/16 04:24 AM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,890 North Alabama
Monte_Smith
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Depends on the spec. I believe any spec quicker than 8.50 now requires .024 steel on drivers side
Last edited by Monte_Smith; 03/21/16 04:25 AM.
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Re: How to make and fasten removable firewall and floor panels??
[Re: MR_P_BODY]
#2035653
03/21/16 12:32 PM
03/21/16 12:32 PM
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,675 Mt. Eden Ky.
Hemi Allstate
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Mike, The gauges are Pro Comp Ultra Lite.
Mark
1996 Ram 1500 Sport 1968 road runner 1952 Sears Allstate licensed, pump gas, Hemi 5.98 @ 115.73 1.33 60 ft. The best is yet to come. Painless Performance / Street RODDER magazine Top 100 for 2019
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Re: How to make and fasten removable firewall and floor panels??
[Re: MR_P_BODY]
#2035691
03/21/16 01:21 PM
03/21/16 01:21 PM
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,675 Mt. Eden Ky.
Hemi Allstate
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Mike, The gauges are Pro Comp Ultra Lite.
Mark
Thanks Mark.... how deep is the speedo head Mike , the gauge is about 3" deep past the dash face (1/8") but with the supplied Autometer mount, and wiring it is closer to 4". That could be reduced some I am sure, by trimming the mount, and using different mounting nuts, and electrical connectors. I modified the depth of the dash to make room. Mark
1996 Ram 1500 Sport 1968 road runner 1952 Sears Allstate licensed, pump gas, Hemi 5.98 @ 115.73 1.33 60 ft. The best is yet to come. Painless Performance / Street RODDER magazine Top 100 for 2019
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Re: How to make and fasten removable firewall and floor panels??
[Re: Hemi Allstate]
#2035712
03/21/16 01:44 PM
03/21/16 01:44 PM
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 52,972 Romeo MI
MR_P_BODY
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Mike, The gauges are Pro Comp Ultra Lite.
Mark
Thanks Mark.... how deep is the speedo head Mike , the gauge is about 3" deep past the dash face (1/8") but with the supplied Autometer mount, and wiring it is closer to 4". That could be reduced some I am sure, by trimming the mount, and using different mounting nuts, and electrical connectors. I modified the depth of the dash to make room. Mark Thanks.. I'm sure I can clear 3" and a bit more but I dont have a lot of room behind the dash on this L-body design... I was looking at a few of the speedos and liked the style of what you have.. most of the others I didnt care for... IF my junker doesnt fail in in the next couple of months I will spring for the speedo/gauge kit.. also.. I assume the sender came with it
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Re: How to make and fasten removable firewall and floor panels??
[Re: MR_P_BODY]
#2035743
03/21/16 02:22 PM
03/21/16 02:22 PM
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,675 Mt. Eden Ky.
Hemi Allstate
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[. Mark [/quote] Thanks.. I'm sure I can clear 3" and a bit more but I dont have a lot of room behind the dash on this L-body design... I was looking at a few of the speedos and liked the style of what you have.. most of the others I didnt care for... IF my junker doesnt fail in in the next couple of months I will spring for the speedo/gauge kit.. also.. I assume the sender came with it [/quote] Mike the sender does not come with the gauge. It was another $85 or so. Good luck with Drag Week , I hope you get in. Mark
1996 Ram 1500 Sport 1968 road runner 1952 Sears Allstate licensed, pump gas, Hemi 5.98 @ 115.73 1.33 60 ft. The best is yet to come. Painless Performance / Street RODDER magazine Top 100 for 2019
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Re: How to make and fasten removable firewall and floor panels??
[Re: Hemi Allstate]
#2035777
03/21/16 03:22 PM
03/21/16 03:22 PM
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 52,972 Romeo MI
MR_P_BODY
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Thanks.. I'm sure I can clear 3" and a bit more but I dont have a lot of room behind the dash on this L-body design... I was looking at a few of the speedos and liked the style of what you have.. most of the others I didnt care for... IF my junker doesnt fail in in the next couple of months I will spring for the speedo/gauge kit.. also.. I assume the sender came with it [/quote] Mike the sender does not come with the gauge. It was another $85 or so. Good luck with Drag Week , I hope you get in. Mark [/quote] Thanks
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Re: How to make and fasten removable firewall and floor panels??
[Re: Hemi_Joel]
#2036184
03/22/16 01:20 AM
03/22/16 01:20 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,497 Minnesota
Hemi_Joel
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Hemi Allstate, that is amazingly sanitary and an inspiration, THanks, Vern, good idea for the seal.
[img]http://i.imgur.com/boeexFms.jpg[/img]31 Plymouth Coupe, 392 Hemi, T56 magnum RS23J71 RS27J77 RP23J71 RO23J71 WM21J8A I don't regret the things I've done. I only regret the things I didn't do. "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something. ~ Plato"
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Re: How to make and fasten removable firewall and floor panels??
[Re: Hemi_Joel]
#2036455
03/22/16 02:08 PM
03/22/16 02:08 PM
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,675 Mt. Eden Ky.
Hemi Allstate
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Thanks Joel, Good luck with your build. Your car looks to be in real nice shape. Mark
1996 Ram 1500 Sport 1968 road runner 1952 Sears Allstate licensed, pump gas, Hemi 5.98 @ 115.73 1.33 60 ft. The best is yet to come. Painless Performance / Street RODDER magazine Top 100 for 2019
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