Fire wall - how do I get this crud off...?

[Jimbotronics]

Hi all,

Truck has been sitting for the past couple months in my garage as you see it in the first photo. This being a three day weekend I'm hoping to make a little progress.

Now on to my problem, I've tried just about everything I know to try to get this caked on and rubberized crap off the firewall to no avail. Anyone have any suggestions. Second is I purchased high temp prime and baby blue rattle can paint from the parts store, I'm not look for a show truck just a good appearance when I show the engine off. Should the rattle can paint suffice?



Cheers to all - Jim