Being that I'm almost done stripping my engine bay down to the metal, I'm planning my angle of attack for what the final product is going to look like. I have seen a handful of engine bays with the pinch weld along the firewall removed and it creates a nice, clean look. I'm just not sure if it is worth the hours it will take to cut it and re-weld everything.
I am also trying to determine if that flat pinch weld adds any structural integrity to the firewall. I do not want to weaken anything by removing it and simply welding the seams together. Maybe welding a piece contoured metal to the pinch weld on the interior side of the firewall is necessary? I'm also aware how much of a PITA it will be if I ever need to replace the cowl.
Another (and much easier) option is to trim the pinch weld back to the actual welds. I can weld a bead down the whole length and grind the edge down to a bullnose look.
Pictures for reference:
Trimmed back (nicely done Jesse):
Gone:
I am also trying to determine if that flat pinch weld adds any structural integrity to the firewall. I do not want to weaken anything by removing it and simply welding the seams together. Maybe welding a piece contoured metal to the pinch weld on the interior side of the firewall is necessary? I'm also aware how much of a PITA it will be if I ever need to replace the cowl.
Another (and much easier) option is to trim the pinch weld back to the actual welds. I can weld a bead down the whole length and grind the edge down to a bullnose look.
Pictures for reference:
Trimmed back (nicely done Jesse):
Gone: