How would you fix this?

[George Brantingham]

I have a '70 LT1 that has had an engine fire in the past. I have the engine out now and while it is geting freshened up I'd like to fix the damaged firewall. At first I assumed cutting out and replaceing the panel would be my best bet. It is in pretty bad shape and the even the toeboard is weak and floppy. I still think this might be my only option. One problem is that I can't find a replacement firewall section or even a good used one. Take a look at this picture www.cliftongarage.com/vettefirewall.jpg and let me know what you think and how I should go about fixing it please. Also if anyone knows where I can get the panel please let me know.

Thanks,
George

[Kevin #38315]

Re: How would you fix this?

George,

Sorry I don't have any suggestions on the firewall, but I am curious. Do you know what caused the engine fire in the first place? Is there something that we could/should do to avoid the same fate?

Thanks

Kevin (70 LT-1 Too!)

[George Brantingham]

Re: How would you fix this?

Kevin,

It has been like this since I bought the car. I think the car has seen some track use so there's no telling what the previous owners put it through. I assume the reason mine has an L-88 hood is also because of this fire. If I had to guess, maybe leaky holley fuel bowls or something, but I just don't know.

[David H.]

Re: How would you fix this?

George: I helped a freind repair sun damaged glass on a midyear car and I think it was actually worse than those pics. The glass was weak and you could move it back and forth. On your car I would clean the still solid areas down to glass with sand paper and laquer thinner then I would strengthen the weak areas with west marine epoxy resin with powdered glass and put some of sermershiems black die in the mix. Use hard cardboard for a backing on the best remaining side and apply the resin mix on the other side. Your car does'nt look as bad as I "know" it is but if this area is the extent of your damage then why replace the panel? If the studs for all the accesories are still holding in the glass then a good reinstallment of resin and alot of hand sanding should make a real nice looking repair. The west marine stuff is much much easier to sand than the old polyester resin. Remember all of this gets painted semi black before assembly. David

[Harmon C.]

Re: How would you fix this?

George I would use resin and glass but tear up the mat and build up the weak areas if it is not burned thru. Lyle

[Chuck R.]

Re: Hello george

Just wondering if you got my off discussion board/on-line post to you?

Some times it just doesn't work,

Chuck #32205