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Author Topic: Smooth firewall update  (Read 958 times)
Ciscodog
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Smooth firewall update
« on: December 26, 2006, 09:27:41 PM »

I finally got tired of the trans tunnel not being finished.  Spent the other day shaping the tin for it and today I took the plunge and started welding... and welding... and welding.  The entire tunnel extension has two beads all the way around it because the two sheets overlapped about 1/2".  Just couldn't get myself to leave it sloppy.  It would have been plenty strong, but since I messed with it, if the trans ever goes and makes it through the carbon shield and into the floor, I'm the first one they'll start pointing fingers at.  So, it's pretty solid LOL!  I have to say it came out much better than I thought it would.  It was looking pretty "hacked" for a while there, but things came together pretty well.  The top half of the firewall isn't welded in, as it makes for great access to the under dash area.  I'm going to hold out as long as possible before I weld that shut.  I know there's lots of people out there who would like to tackle this kind of job but aren't sure how to go about it.  It's not that hard - maybe these pics will inspire someone.


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fasttcars
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Re: Smooth firewall update
« Reply #1 on: December 26, 2006, 09:32:24 PM »

looking pretty awesome man....what gauge of steel are you using?
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71 demon child
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Re: Smooth firewall update
« Reply #2 on: December 26, 2006, 09:33:15 PM »

Excellent job.It'll really look sweet when you get paint on it.Every time i see somebody do stuff like this i just add 1 more thing to the gotta do it list.Good work.

carl
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Re: Smooth firewall update
« Reply #3 on: December 26, 2006, 09:36:53 PM »

Looks nice, I may do that with mine since I'm already there.
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Ballz Deep Racing
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Re: Smooth firewall update
« Reply #4 on: December 26, 2006, 09:42:09 PM »

It looks real good. Nice job Carter.
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Ciscodog
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Re: Smooth firewall update
« Reply #5 on: December 26, 2006, 09:42:41 PM »

Holy crap that's a lot of fuel regs!!! 

Not sure of the guage - it's .038" I think.  I wanted 19 or 20 guage, but it was one of those "yeah - this is what you want" deals.  I got it home and it was a couple thou shy of what I wanted, but it works. 

Thanks for all the comps guys - I can't wait to see how it looks with paint.
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Bakaruda
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Re: Smooth firewall update
« Reply #6 on: December 26, 2006, 10:16:24 PM »

Looks great bud.
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Cary Snyder
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Re: Smooth firewall update
« Reply #7 on: December 26, 2006, 10:26:25 PM »

NICE JOB  4 speed

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b569rr
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Re: Smooth firewall update
« Reply #8 on: December 26, 2006, 10:31:50 PM »

That looks great. It really makes it clean looking.

Hey Stu, are you taking it off the street? Looks like you blocked off your wiper motor mount.

Tom
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Re: Smooth firewall update
« Reply #9 on: December 26, 2006, 10:48:20 PM »

Looks nice guys!  I kind of like the "screwed" look.
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Ballz Deep Racing
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Re: Smooth firewall update
« Reply #10 on: December 26, 2006, 10:49:08 PM »

Stu, that looks good for a bolt in job; that's how I would do it since I don't weld much either.  Smiley
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Jason
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Re: Smooth firewall update
« Reply #11 on: December 26, 2006, 10:51:12 PM »

That looks good Stu - that's how I did mine for years and it worked great! 

If you look close you can see how I opened up the tunnel.  I was trying to create more space to get to the trans bolts.  That carbon shield takes up a lot of space so between the trans and tunnel and getting those bolts in and out is a royal bitch!  The firewall is kicked back a bit and the tunnel is opened up so it should be easy access to get to them.  I might even be able to move the motor back a hair. 
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Re: Smooth firewall update
« Reply #12 on: December 26, 2006, 11:51:08 PM »

Get 'er as low and back as possible.  I can't wait to see some more pics of that beast Cisco!
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fasttcars
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Re: Smooth firewall update
« Reply #13 on: December 27, 2006, 01:18:50 AM »

That looks good Stu - that's how I did mine for years and it worked great! 

If you look close you can see how I opened up the tunnel.  I was trying to create more space to get to the trans bolts.  That carbon shield takes up a lot of space so between the trans and tunnel and getting those bolts in and out is a royal bitch!  The firewall is kicked back a bit and the tunnel is opened up so it should be easy access to get to them.  I might even be able to move the motor back a hair. 
i moved mine back 7inch's....

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GON_RACIN
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Re: Smooth firewall update
« Reply #14 on: December 27, 2006, 07:57:23 PM »

That looks good Stu - that's how I did mine for years and it worked great! 

If you look close you can see how I opened up the tunnel.  I was trying to create more space to get to the trans bolts.  That carbon shield takes up a lot of space so between the trans and tunnel and getting those bolts in and out is a royal bitch!  The firewall is kicked back a bit and the tunnel is opened up so it should be easy access to get to them.  I might even be able to move the motor back a hair. 

looks super clean  Smiley  since you're already fabbing stuff up have you considering creating some small holes so you can access the bellhousing bolts from inside the car?  Thats how i set mine up and it makes taking the trans loose a hundred times easier.  I just pull the carpet back to access the holes and i can have all the bellhousing bolts out in just a matter of minutes. 
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Ciscodog
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Re: Smooth firewall update
« Reply #15 on: December 27, 2006, 08:08:41 PM »

The firewall is a bit farther back, and the tunnel opening is larger so I should be able to get to them very easily.  I was going to do exactly what you desdcribed, but I decided to go this more complicated route instead LOL
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GON_RACIN
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Re: Smooth firewall update
« Reply #16 on: December 27, 2006, 08:14:33 PM »

thats cool, just dont forget that carbon fiber shield uses those longer bellhousing bolts with the 12 point heads on them, so you'll have to use a box end 12 point wrench, or a 12 point socket and ratchet if you've got room, OR replace those 12 point bolts with nice grade 8 hex head ones.  I got all fired up to install my shield and ended up having to go out and buy some 12 point sockets b/c i didnt have any  Undecided  The only other time i've ever used those stupid 12 point sockets is to take loose the rear main seal retainer on BB mopars.
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Ciscodog
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Re: Smooth firewall update
« Reply #17 on: December 27, 2006, 08:17:15 PM »

Hey fastcars - what's the scoop on the midplate?  I assume there's a ring to space the flexplate back from the crankshaft?  I wonder if I need to go to that length with mine?  Hmmm...
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Ciscodog
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Re: Smooth firewall update
« Reply #18 on: December 27, 2006, 08:20:34 PM »

thats cool, just dont forget that carbon fiber shield uses those longer bellhousing bolts with the 12 point heads on them, so you'll have to use a box end 12 point wrench, or a 12 point socket and ratchet if you've got room, OR replace those 12 point bolts with nice grade 8 hex head ones. I got all fired up to install my shield and ended up having to go out and buy some 12 point sockets b/c i didnt have any Undecided The only other time i've ever used those stupid 12 point sockets is to take loose the rear main seal retainer on BB mopars.

LOL - yeah I know.  Bakaruda and I put that shield on in the summer of 2005 and it was a royal pain in the ass!  That was really the driving force in doing it this way.  That's the bummer though - I could move the motor back really easily now but I probably won't because I want to be able to access the bolts.  I'm getting too old to be fighting those bolts all day long.
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fasttcars
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Re: Smooth firewall update
« Reply #19 on: December 27, 2006, 08:49:01 PM »

Hey fastcars - what's the scoop on the midplate?  I assume there's a ring to space the flexplate back from the crankshaft?  I wonder if I need to go to that length with mine?  Hmmm...
the mid plate is only  1/4 inch so i always check converter engagement....or use a spacer...or just have the converter built to use with a mi plate.....the plate itself is just another way to stabalize everything...and transfer all power to the ground   [i have plans to eventually have about 1200hp in her]......i guess you have to look at it the engine is being held in the vary front...then the tailshaft...yes the tranny is bolted to the block  but that's a lot of weight hanging and also creating some stress.......but it's not really nessesary...i just look at it as another small detail  in the quest for a fast mopar...that can also last..
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Re: Smooth firewall update
« Reply #20 on: December 27, 2006, 08:49:47 PM »

For street use I know you can get after market cable wipers, run heater hoses low, master cylinder under the dash but how do you move that Giant clump of wire that is that ugly firewall plug? Aftermarket wiring harness?
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Ciscodog
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Re: Smooth firewall update
« Reply #21 on: December 27, 2006, 09:02:38 PM »

Heater?  LOL  that went away when I lived in Alaska LOL  As for the wiring harness, just don't use the bulkhead connector at the firewall.  Run the wires through a smaller grommeted hole and seal it up with silicone.

The reason I was contemplating the midplate was for exactly that - longevity.  I'm tired of breaking shit!  I haven't really broken much, but I've broken enough to know I don't want to do it any more!  Thanks for the input!

Carter
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fasttcars
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Re: Smooth firewall update
« Reply #22 on: December 27, 2006, 09:06:13 PM »

For street use I know you can get after market cable wipers, run heater hoses low, master cylinder under the dash but how do you move that Giant clump of wire that is that ugly firewall plug? Aftermarket wiring harness?
you can go to a painless kit..or..also relocate the stock hump to lower driver side.. just after the turn.[side of car]...then like on ciscodog's car  with no inner wheelwells...run the wires up under the existing fender or...what he has left of the inner wheel well...
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Crazy68Dart
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Re: Smooth firewall update
« Reply #23 on: December 29, 2006, 09:05:45 AM »

Carter, how will the mods play into your chassis cert?  I know if you mess to much with the firewall/floor things get hairy.  BTW, looks cool.   Grin
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Ciscodog
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Re: Smooth firewall update
« Reply #24 on: December 29, 2006, 05:11:20 PM »

The only stipulation that I know of is that if you have a modified firewall you have to have a knee bar, which I have.  If anyone knows of any other glitches let me know please!
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Ciscodog
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Re: Smooth firewall update
« Reply #25 on: January 29, 2007, 05:47:52 PM »

Final update - next time you see it it will be orange!  Welded in the top portion today.  Had to run two beads to widen it out so I could grind a nice radius.  It turned out better than I thought it would - I'm getting to know my welder better these days (the Miller 135 that is - you sicko's LOL).  It's been a lot of work but I think it will look really good.  Last week I had the block and trans mocked up in there with the mid plate and the motor plate.  I have TONS of room behind the bell housing bolts.  I'm still not sure if I'll move the motor back, as it will have lots of "ripple effects".  The drag link goes through the oil pan, headers, etc.  I'll deal with that when it comes time.  Just based on space, however, I could set the motor back as much as 3 inches.  I could use a little help with the sixty foot times, but I don't want a wheelstander either.  I'll probably end up comprimising and setting it back an inch or so.

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fasttcars
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Re: Smooth firewall update
« Reply #26 on: January 29, 2007, 05:57:39 PM »

ya that will look really clean once it's painted... Grin..excellent job
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Re: Smooth firewall update
« Reply #27 on: January 29, 2007, 07:43:47 PM »

Looks great, man. I like smooooooth...
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Re: Smooth firewall update
« Reply #28 on: January 29, 2007, 08:56:45 PM »

Awesome job man!
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Ballz Deep Racing
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Re: Smooth firewall update
« Reply #29 on: January 29, 2007, 08:59:10 PM »

Nice Job Carter.
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Ciscodog
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Re: Smooth firewall update
« Reply #30 on: January 29, 2007, 09:04:40 PM »

Thanks guys - I still have to drill the holes in it for all the junk that needs to feed through (coil wire, nitrous line, halon line, wires, etc.) but they'll be centered right behind the motor so it won't look cluttered (I hope).  I think I'm going to go without a speedo as well.  I don't want to put another hole in the firewall just for that damn cable.  We'll see though... anything could happen LOL
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Re: Smooth firewall update
« Reply #31 on: January 29, 2007, 11:01:27 PM »

Very nice job done so far. I am going to do the same but piece by piece, not a whole section. Just put in a piece where the wiper motor, heater, lines for a/c and such were that will no longer be on mine. Only want a cleaner look, dont need to make room for anything like a shield or such. Tomorrow I am going to talk to a local welder thats been in the business since the 70s so hopefully I can learn alot from him and I can do this in a few months.
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