A good buddy of mine came over today and we were discussing the direction of my 70 Challenger Convertible rebuild. I have kinda come to the conclusion that pretty much all metal needs to be replaced...firewall, side cowl peices, inner fenders, rad support, quarters, all floor pans etc and were wondering how do you replace the firewall. Everything seems to center on the firewall and we were just wondering how you would reference its replacement to make sure it was put back exactly where it was supposed to and that every subsequent peice would be put back in its proper place. I have seen several pics of guys doing this type of work and would think there has got to be more to it than simply pulling out a tape measure. Any of you experience mopar guys out there got advice for us? I would like to hear your thought even if this sparks a lively debate. Pics appreciated for those that have done this task before. Thanks.

most important thing when doing any type of body panel replacement is to have the car placed on level floor, it will make the job easier and all parts will fit better.

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Get your car level and properly braced/supported. Get your measurements, and cut off the stuff in the way. If you need to re-use it, drill the welds carefully. If you dont, cut the majority off and then carefully drill the welds to get the last bits off. If you havent done it, It's a very, very big undertaking and there's bound to be parts you can't see that you will need. Welcome to E-body cowls

I am undertaking a similar endevour in the next few weeks. The inner fenders have to be removed, as will the braces from shock towers to firewall. Then remove the inner fender to firewall pieces (L shaped that run along edge of innerfender). Once the cowl is off and inner fenders out, you can get to all the spot welds around the firewall. And there are a lot of them. There is also a brace from the top of the frame ( I think), but you can get those spot welds from inside the car.

its a big job but worth saving the car for... its no different than if it was crashed in 74 and repaired dan

Yes, it is certainly a big job. My main concern is how to locate exactly where it needs to go back. Some have suggested measuring but where is the best reference point to measure from?

I am at the point of trying to decide if it is better to repair the firewall where it is for the sake of keeping everything in line, or go through the trouble to replace it. Both options have good and bad points about them.

Elite, I can certainly give you a shot at my business. Just need to get the car to that stage and we can talk.

I had the same decision and I decided to repair mine. I think the best way is to replace it but I didnt want to get into all that on this one.
If you replace it mesure everywere you can from know points brace it up good take lots of pics. once you cut the fender aprens loose the frame rails will than be free to move up and down.

You could make a giant cardboard pattern and mark all the hole locations. Then just make sure your new metal lines up with all the holes. I think that would be a good place to start. Use thick cardboard too

Did mine on the Challenger. It is about 150 spot welds. Set up on a solid surface and use plenty of cross bracing. I made measurements, took pictures and made markings. I found that a 1970 car is not square to start with. Get an assortment of vicegrips/ clamps, pipe clamps. I used a weld through primer between the seems and used a piece of hammerd, bent copper tubing as a welding backer. Take your time and buy some beer. You're going to need it.
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Installed