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Technical model a recess firewall

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by sdluck, Oct 27, 2019.

  1. sdluck
    Joined: Sep 19, 2006
    Posts: 3,186

    sdluck
    Member

    I have a 29 model a glass car,it has a partially recessed firewall with a sbc,I cannot remove the dist because it hits,without disconnecting the motor mounts and misc to lower it enough to remove it.What have you guys done
     
  2. seb fontana
    Joined: Sep 1, 2005
    Posts: 8,444

    seb fontana
    Member
    from ct

    Use a SBF; dist in front.....
     
  3. gimpyshotrods
    Joined: May 20, 2009
    Posts: 23,264

    gimpyshotrods
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Which distributor do you have?
     
  4. sdluck
    Joined: Sep 19, 2006
    Posts: 3,186

    sdluck
    Member

    I have tried a stock chevy point and bought an accel points 2 piece dist.
     

  5. jaw22w
    Joined: Mar 2, 2013
    Posts: 1,671

    jaw22w
    Member
    from Indiana

    It's that old physics thing again. Two objects can't occupy the same space at the same time.
    I have one of those Accel 2 piecers stashed away somewhere myself. I haven't seen it for a long, long time. Doesn't the top part come off? Will it still not come out if you take it apart? My firewall is notched for the distributor. I still have to take the cap and rotor off for it to come out. You might have to make room.
     
  6. sdluck
    Joined: Sep 19, 2006
    Posts: 3,186

    sdluck
    Member

    No it almost clears. I am running the motor with a carb but after it is broken in I want to put Hilborn Mech injection,but that's another story.
     
  7. gimpyshotrods
    Joined: May 20, 2009
    Posts: 23,264

    gimpyshotrods
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Don't sell that carburetor or manifold.
     
    upspirate and Nailhead Jason like this.
  8. gimpyshotrods
    Joined: May 20, 2009
    Posts: 23,264

    gimpyshotrods
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    When I have "missed the mark" on leaving enough clearance, I have turned to hiding the fix in plain sight.

    In your case, I would make a bolt-in polished stainless steel recess, with a nice set of counter sunk, evenly spaced fasteners.

    If you cannot fix a ooopsie, make it look intentional.

    I am still working on it, but the recess in my center console, for a hand to go around the parking brake handle, is a stainless steel serving tray, bolted to the underside.
     
    Last edited: Oct 27, 2019
  9. goldmountain
    Joined: Jun 12, 2016
    Posts: 4,442

    goldmountain

    slack likes this.
  10. gimpyshotrods
    Joined: May 20, 2009
    Posts: 23,264

    gimpyshotrods
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Sure, but it would need to be bonded-in, and the car is already painted.
     
  11. DDDenny
    Joined: Feb 6, 2015
    Posts: 19,144

    DDDenny
    Member
    from oregon

    I've often thought one of these would be pretty easily adapted as a bolt-on recess for distributor clearance, I also considered using something similar for a footwell/rest in the fiberglass floor for the gas pedal in my roadster.
    https://www.highway99hotrods.com/Blisters/orderb.htm
     
  12. sdluck
    Joined: Sep 19, 2006
    Posts: 3,186

    sdluck
    Member

    Good idea DDDenny,I will see if I can do something like that
     
  13. blazedogs
    Joined: Sep 22, 2014
    Posts: 535

    blazedogs
    Member

     
  14. blazedogs
    Joined: Sep 22, 2014
    Posts: 535

    blazedogs
    Member

    A Issue when going with a recessed firewall in a model A There will be a issue with your steering column it will fall at the edge of the firewall Ask me how I know gene in Mn
     
  15. Mr48chev
    Joined: Dec 28, 2007
    Posts: 33,861

    Mr48chev
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I think my buddy's old (old in as used to have 40 years ago) was that way with the wheelbarrow used for the indent in the firewall. It used to be fairly common but guys weren't pulling the distributors very often either.
    Years ago I saw photos of one that was a lot more race car than street car that they had made a trap door or removable door over the distributor so it could be lifted out.
     
  16. sdluck
    Joined: Sep 19, 2006
    Posts: 3,186

    sdluck
    Member

    Steering is in the car,has been for years,partial recess of firewall.
     
  17. sdluck
    Joined: Sep 19, 2006
    Posts: 3,186

    sdluck
    Member

    I almost put a front drive dist in it .
     
  18. baspinall
    Joined: Dec 8, 2009
    Posts: 447

    baspinall
    Member
    from SE PA

    How about a picture of your dist. area.
     
  19. sdluck
    Joined: Sep 19, 2006
    Posts: 3,186

    sdluck
    Member

    Car is about 20 miles away,I will take one today
     
  20. Cree
    Joined: Jun 13, 2017
    Posts: 137

    Cree
    Member
    from Montana

    X2 Gimpyshotrods approach...Part of a headlight bucket can provide a nice shape.
     
    gimpyshotrods likes this.
  21. Blues4U
    Joined: Oct 1, 2015
    Posts: 7,589

    Blues4U
    Member
    from So Cal

    Same thing here. Drain the radiator and pull the hoses free, pull the motor mounts and lower the front of the engine till the distributor clears.
     
  22. Blues4U
    Joined: Oct 1, 2015
    Posts: 7,589

    Blues4U
    Member
    from So Cal

    Exactly. How often do you pull the distributor?
     
    46international likes this.
  23. A guy I know did this on a '32 sedan...…..
    firewall.jpg
     
    Rice n Beans Garage likes this.
  24. solidaxle
    Joined: Jan 6, 2011
    Posts: 662

    solidaxle
    Member
    from Upstate,NY

    I'm not sure where your having clearance problems without a picture. If it's the top, how about a Mallory distributor with a Marine cap.
    Mallory 221B Distributor Cap (Flat Marine)
     
  25. You can always make a piece of aluminum notched with enough room to remove your distributor, then make a flange to fit over it then pop rivet or screw it in place. HRP
     
  26. sdluck
    Joined: Sep 19, 2006
    Posts: 3,186

    sdluck
    Member

  27. X-cpe
    Joined: Mar 9, 2018
    Posts: 1,959

    X-cpe

    That was my mom. No matter what she had to change, redo or modify (not automotive), she would tell you, "That's how I planned it."
     
    gimpyshotrods likes this.
  28. solidaxle
    Joined: Jan 6, 2011
    Posts: 662

    solidaxle
    Member
    from Upstate,NY

    The picture does not help without the motor mocked up on the frame.
    It's a homemade firewall, why not just cut away?
     
  29. k32t
    Joined: Jan 2, 2011
    Posts: 295

    k32t
    Member
    from Hog town

    may be something like this
     

    Attached Files:

  30. sdluck
    Joined: Sep 19, 2006
    Posts: 3,186

    sdluck
    Member

    Thanks I will try to get some better pictures
     

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