fire wall question

[gasmn1620]

Does anybody make new firewalls for my 87? I thought I had it sold today but the rust on some of the seems in the firewall scared the guy off? At this point if it doesn't sell like in the next 2 weeks I'm going to tear it down and just finish the build and fix every little thing. Looked around today and didn't come across anybody stamping them. Is it easier just to do a sheet metal smooth firewall and just cut the holes for everything?

[andrewmp6]

If you want to keep it stock find a used one to cut out and replace it with.

[73kay]

I've redone my firewall like twice. (Changed my mind about using factory ac) but most of the parts are flat but if you have rust around the steering support, it will be annoying bc the plate is spot welded into the sheet metal. I had rust in the cowl as well as about 1in or so above the floor boards and I just cut up extra good metal from another cab. Not to hard but I thought I saw some aftermarket firewalls not too long ago. If I can find it I'll post a link

[73kay]

Bc everyone likes pictures! This was my old cab with usual rust in the cowl etc.

[gasmn1620]

My is only rusted on the seems that go around the center section. Like I said, I'm going to give it another week or so and then I'm just going to push ahead and do the build I was envisioning when I got the truck (z the frame, notch the back, 100% rust free the truck, section and suck in the front bumper, shaved tailgate, rollpan, etc.). I just have to sell it or make the full commitment.

[gasmn1620]

my rust is in the highlighted area. Nothing inside or outside the seems, just the seems.

[73kay]

Just be careful. My frame off restore all started with "just changing out the clutch" hahaha best of luck!

[1970pelle]

It amazes how a southern truck can rust in a protected area. My 86 had rust in the very center of the cab seam. I was kind of lucky to have the engine out, to help make the repair easier. I wish I had the interior apart at the same time, but didn't. Made for some exciting welding, and watching for fires inside the cab.

I made sure to replace the seam sealer in the cowl area. That is where I think the rust gets its start.


Ken

[gasmn1620]

Originally Posted by 1970pelle

It amazes how a southern truck can rust in a protected area. My 86 had rust in the very center of the cab seam. I was kind of lucky to have the engine out, to help make the repair easier. I wish I had the interior apart at the same time, but didn't. Made for some exciting welding, and watching for fires inside the cab.

I made sure to replace the seam sealer in the cowl area. That is where I think the rust gets its start.


Ken

I agree. My truck has never left a 3 county area here in north florida. It's got rust on the firewall and rust in the door jambs... with a small hole through the rocker section.

It's going to be a frame off if I have to take it apart at all. I mean, with the amount of work it'll take to do what needs to be done, I might as well just take the little bit of extra time and do it all.