Any firewall replacing tips?

[jzjames]

Ive ordered a ABS firewall from D C for my 67. $200. + $15 shipping, gonna clean up under there.
So since Sharkdance pics and tutorial are gone, I THINK Ive got to remove the steering column, fuse box from the firewall, and the E. brake cluster from the firewall as well. Thats in addition to the heater/defroster unit.

Any other headsups from those who have done this upgrade?

[flyboy2610]

You are correct in the that anything attached to the firewall must be removed. You will also need to pull the heater assembly. If you have any plans at all on replacing the carpet in the future, I would really recommend doing it now. This isn't really a hard job, but it is time consuming. Most of the pre-punched holes are in the right spots, so that helps. I read somewhere that someone left the column in and split the cover and slipped it over the column. When I did mine, I installed the cover first, then bolted the column to the dash and hooked up the rag joint. From inside the engine bay, I punched holes through the firewall nuts and the cover. Then from in the cab I put the bolts through the column plate and cover and bolted it down.
I don't have a pic of it, and it's cold and dark out there!

[jzjames]

bolts through the column plate and cover and bolted it down.

I saw your post about replacing yours. Im looking forward to getting mine done. I wouldnt be averse to splitting the firewall cover in line with the steering column. It would save me from having to remove the whole column (and automatic shifting linkage). The heater is already removed at this point.
If I split the cover I could just do it from the top down to the steering column hole... ??

[michael69]

I just order one from Mac's last night. They had a 15% off sale so I order it and some other things I needed to finish my truck. I will be doing mine soon, that is when my carpet also gets here.If I get started before you I will let you know of anything I run into. You can do the same if you get started before me . It will take me longer as I am going to put POR15 on floor pans and put fatmat down to reduce noise and heat. Also I am going to replace the wiper motor and the pivot arm gaskets while I have everything out from under the dash and firewall.

[basketcase0302]

I too need to do this, but will probably wait until I change the cab on my truck. Doesn't the heater assembly also have to come out? Michael, the pivot gaskets are so...easy and most guys here fail to realize the amount of water coming into the cab from there.
Please someone take pics!:pop:

[michael69]

Yea mine have been leaking for a few years,but it stays under shed if its raining so I have not bothered with it yet. I do want to fix it before I put the new carpet in though.

[flyboy2610]

Doesn't the heater assembly also have to come out?

Yes it does. This is a good time also to clean all the "stuff" out of the space between the fenders and cab that has accumulated there from being washed down the cowl vent. Get some new seals for the heater box and drivers side vent panel while you have it all apart.

[michael69]

I have already done that. You would not believe how much stuff I pulled out and vacuumed out. Don't see how mine was not rusted out.but it was still solid with no rust.I guess keeping it in the dry helped alot. You will have to remove parking brake assembly to get driver side kick panel off,but its no big deal.

[flyboy2610]

I have already done that. You would not believe how much stuff I pulled out and vacuumed out. Don't see how mine was not rusted out.but it was still solid with no rust.I guess keeping it in the dry helped alot. You will have to remove parking brake assembly to get driver side kick panel off,but its no big deal.

While I had mine out, I used some spray can rust converter and sprayed everything down in there as well as I could, followed by a top coat of paint.

[jzjames]

Ohboy, I can see how this is going to be a time consuming job. I'll need to get the heater box foam gasket and the wiper assy. gaskets. I think mine are leaking.
It says there are 8 clips that is used to attach the ABS panel, do you know if I will need to order those or can the old ones be re-used? Or can I just get those "Christmas tree" push on clips at the parts store?
Want to do this job right the first/last time. Pricey too! 46 year-old truck!

I'll also be needing a seat cover and a carpet somewhere down the line. $$$$

[flyboy2610]

I tried to save the original firewall retainers, but they all broke when I tried to remove them. I bought some of those 'Christmas tree' retainers, but I didn't use them. The only things holding my cover on is all the bolts and screws for the parts I had to take off to put the cover on. It hasn't moved at all since I installed it.

[michael69]

I have already done that. You would not believe how much stuff I pulled out and vacuumed out. Don't see how mine was not rusted out.but it was still solid with no rust.I guess keeping it in the dry helped alot. You will have to remove parking brake assembly to get driver side kick panel off,but its no big deal.

While I had mine out, I used some spray can rust converter and sprayed everything down in there as well as I could, followed by a top coat of paint.

I am going to put POR15 on mine,and top coat with paint. I am now in the waiting mode. Waiting on everything to get here.I have the fatmat and wiper motor,but nothing that I need to use first. Funny how what you need first arrives last

[flyboy2610]

Funny how what you need first arrives last

Isn't that always the way it is, though?

[michael69]

Question does the gas pedal linkage bracket where the three bolts screw in the firewall mount on top of cover or under the cover? If it mounts under it like I am thinking how do you get to the bolts and holes to mount it I guess when I get it, it will be self explanatory,but I was just wondering.

[basketcase0302]

Michael,
If memory serves me right I believe the pedal assembly "sandwiches" the insulation in between the firewall. Seems like I remember having trouble getting the first bolt started through my existing cover when I bolted the pedal assembly back in: