The inner and outer firewall panels rusted where they meet the floor. This time around I bought the full-width outer firewall from Restoration Design. I may be able to manage to get the flapper box tubes and other through fittings brazed into place, but I can see no way to put the firewall panel in place with the heater tubes coming out of the longitudinal members. I don’t mind cutting the firewall and welding it back after installing it, but I sure would feel silly if there was a trick to it. Help please.

That's what I ended up doing. I believe I'm not the only one, but I'll let others chime in. I remember noodling this through and not coming up with any other solution.

You can see mine in place below and where I cut it to fit it in place.

Click to view attachment

Thanks! Any other ideas?

I've been wondering the same, hopefully someone will have a good idea and can share..

I've been contemplating cutting a 'heater-tube-width' section out on each side of the panel, then sliding the piece in place & welding the cut-outs back in. The out-side area of the tube holes seem like a better option than the bottom - 'cause the bottom is the more vulnerable areas for rust development (obviously).


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Can't be done. Cut and paste. The 2 45 degree tubes make it impossible.
Can only be done with both longs open and heater tubes removed.
Rob did a nice job.