Hoping to take possession of a 32 Ford 3 window coupe body next month. My understanding is that the firewall bolts to feet which attach to the frame and a rubber seal is inserted when the body is put on. I don't really think I like that idea and am thinking about making it part of the body. I also am trying to decide if I want the flat firewall with the beading. Lets see yours and suggestions about recessing the firewall slightly.
^^^^ Why ?? mounting to body if steel. Will you plan on removing the firewall feet? You do know the cowl have adjustment To get door adjustments & other gaps. Firewall mounts first to frame with gasket around sides & top then body over firewall, gasket setts in a groove. Im 6ft with shoe size 14-15 , I miss the extra 3 ish inches of feet room with flat firewall, my 32 sed has stock firewall & my 5w has flat , i'm thinking about switching between the two. Stock seat with package tray removed and seat relocated its still not enough room for me.
The feet are a very important part of the firewall, and are riveted, not bolted to it. The firewall is a structural, but adjustable member of the body. By snugging the cowl band feet that are welded to the inner band of the cowl, you can pull against the firewall to adjust your doors. On a three window this is going to be very important. If you are a 32 newby, I highly suggest you don't mess with success. Now you can recess the middle part of the firewall and not really affect the structure, but leaving the outer band and feet intact will make your life much easier, and the car stronger.
The '32 Ford is the only car with a removable firewall, being able to set up the engine and transmission with the firewall sitting on the frame makes doing so one of the perks of owning a '32, Depending on the engine you may have to modify the lower portion of the firewall, this is a photo of the firewall in my '32 pickup after I modified it. HRP
A small block Chevy engine can be installed with very little trimming in the bell housing area of the firewall. The posts above have given you the information as to why you shouldn't weld the firewall to the body.
The stock `32 firewall is an art form as they were made in 1932. It sounds like what you have in mind is to make it look like a Model "A" ( they were spot welded to the cowl sides).
Let's not forget the ability to do all of the behind the dash wiring, heater if required etc etc without the body in the way. No back breaking under dash contortions required, bloody luxury! Chris
Just general information. Originally, the 'firewall' was a chassis part and not considered 'body' by Ford. It was assembled as part of the chassis. They also called it the 'dash,' not firewall. It is a unique 1932 only construction feature.
Can it be done? Yes Should it be done? Probably not I've built two 32 3 windows where the customer insisted upon welding the firewall in place. I couldn't convince him to leave them loose. I made up for the thickness of the rubber gasket with a length of flat bar. One car used a flat, beaded Brookeville firewall, with a small block Ford, the other was a stock firewall that was recessed in the middle for a Dodge baby hemi. Both cars also had the structural wood removed in favor of steel. Both cars turned out okay, and were really solid, but I wouldn't recommend doing it again. The stock configuration is much easier to work with. Dave
Here’s a firewall I’m working on today. It needed a recess to clear a 409, but it retains all the stock feet and a majority of the ribs and dimples. It will mount to the frame and body just as Henry did it.
Good information guys and appreciated. I am thinking more and more about what to do. I plan to install a Cadillac (500) hooked to a Tremec 6 speed..........so I figure firewall mods will be in order as well as making a transmission tunnel. Usually that means adapting the trans tunnel to the firewall. Have to think about that some more. Keep the pics and info coming..........much appreciated!
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