Weldless Firewall Shaving???

[chevjayfsd]

My engine bay is really bugging me... Especially the damn heater/air box sitting on the firewall like a sore thumb... I want to get rid of this and just cover up the holes, as this is not a daily driver and I really don't need either(air/heat)... What would be the best way to do it without having to weld or repaint? Would you make some sort of mask (aluminum, sheet metal) and just paint it and screw it in with some paint matched or chrome beauty screws?
The reason I don't want to actually shave the firewall is because I don't want to have to dissassemble the whole front end...

What do yall think??

[Shane]

find yourself a friend who is a machinist and have him make you some billet aluminum covers .... hmmmm ... that gives me an idea.

What would this be worth to ya?

Anyone?

[chevjayfsd]

I have thought of this but, i don't want the plates to stick out that much... i would rather it look smooth and rreeedddd!!!

Thanks

[chickenwing]

Good lookin bay you have there!!!! I've saw factory delete plates. Least I think they were factory. I understand you not wanting to remove the front clip. You have lots of stuff to scrape up... It is so EASY though. Looks like you have an abundance of talent. Pull it and shave it!!

[Primered_69]

He ct them to fit and attached them with screws. I liked it. I thought it gave it the old hot rod look.

[chevjayfsd]

thanks chicken wing... Anyone else have ideas???

[gregfull]

When you buy a Sure-Fit kit from Vintage Air, which mounts behind the dash, they send an abs plastic cover for the holes which could be painted to match the firewall. Plus you still have A/C.

[chevjayfsd]

thanks, but i don't wanna spend 1000 on something i would hardly use. I have never driven my truck with the windows up, so I would have no use for vintage air...

[chickenwing]

Contact em and see if they will sell you just the delete plate.

[gregfull]

Ditto

[Burnsman]

I made autocad drawings and had them laser me some where I used to work. I made some out of aluminum and some out of stainless (sheetmetal). I tried the brush finish aluminum and the polished stainless. I ended up painting them in my pro street truck to match the color of the truck. Personal preference I guess. I used polished button head screws to mount them through the factory holes. That way, I could remove the plate and add the heater box later if I wanted. I just sold a factory delete plate on ebay. I always wanted one. But once I saw how ugly they were, I think I'll stick to my plates. I can't find the dxf files, so I'll have to make some new ones when the time comes.

[DevinM]

It's hard to see, but here's a link.
http://truckstv.com/images/uploads/e...-06200x125.jpg
If that doesn't work, try
http://truckstv.com/show_details.aspx?iid=1558
Photo #6.

[1972C10]

Just take some 1/8 plate steel Then make a templete out of cardboard or poster board paper .. Do a good job cutting it out grind the edges really smooth with a flap disc sand it all down prime puttty prime it some more sanding between coats block sand the hell out of it and you would have some slick covers.

[GSFMECH]

The dirt track boys use aluminum sheet to build their bodys. It is real easy to work with and you can get in all colors but it is paintable. I had a 70 SS Chevelle drag car once and I used this stuff to blank my heater/ac openings. Painted to match you had to look real hard to see that it wasn't welded up and smoothed. I riveted mine on and then when we painted the car, shot the firewall and all to match.It was sharp.Any dirt track racer can show you the stuff and where to get it.