65 Fairlane pro-touring build

[Vic1947]

Pulled the engine and transmission and set them aside for the moment. The natural extension of the work I've been doing on the floor and tunnel is the firewall. I want a nice smooth surface in place of the OEM firewall, so it had to go. Before making any cuts, I had to mockup the FR microsteer column and get some measurements for where the column shaft would pass through the firewall. Sketched it out so I'd have a better chance of remembering the numbers - assuming I can find the sketch later on.

Then it was time to make some cuts. I used 3/4 tape to mark the edges and between the Sawsall and the metal wheel of death, I got the main area out. The new panel will overlap the existing edges and I'll use panel adhesive and SS rivets to attach it. Once the adhesive is set, I'll use a spotweld cutter to remove the rivet heads. Along the way, I'll have to build a recess where the brake/clutch pedal assembly goes. Even with the compact Wilwood brake M/C's it will be a tight fit since the back of the heads are so close to the f/w.

Of course, there were couple of places where I have to build out the edge where the new panel attaches. No big deal - just a bit time consuming. Hope to have the new f/w installed in a few days.