Firewall Flex Brace

[ebone84]

I’m working on making a brace for my firewall .... where my clutch adjuster goes in .... Member Window.... made a nice prototype ...... but I’m gonna try to tie mine into the pinch weld, for added strength made out of 18g sheet steel ........cross your fingers .......

 

[96pushrod]

Really cool to see somebody tackling this. I’ve never actually seen a cracked firewall in person on these cars, but I know it happens.

Looking forward to see how it works out.

 

[limp]

I spent some computer time looking if anyone built these... NADA........
I dealt with this many years ago when I installed a hydraulic clutch in my 41 Chevy coupe (1971 ish) when these were not readily available... If you can tie it in with some structure works best or the entire plate you build/install will flex..... At least this was my experience...
I ended up with a L shaped angle piece bolted to the top of the firewall and pushing on the far edge of the clutch master cylinder.. It was ugly but prevented the intire pedal/master cylinder/firewall from flexing the firewall each time the pedals were pushed on.......

 

[General karthief]

Notice the area around the hole, it has a shape that helps strengthen the wall when the clutch is depressed, cables with problems and high pressure clutches put extra stress in that area.

 

[Mcmahst]

One thing I’ve noticed on Ford, when they use a doubler on the firewall to reduce flex, is that the doubler is generally a thicker metal than the firewall and the Engels of the doubler are rolled, to reduce the ability for it to flex. Here is a bad picture of my 73 with the doubler for the brake booster/master cylinder. If you look closely, you can see the rolled top edge of it. Steve

 

[rednotch]

Best way to brace it is from the inside but not many want to pull a dashto plate the firewall in that area.

 

[ebone84]

My brace is almost ready to go ..... A little more fiddling and I’ll be ready ...... I like the UPR wide base...... click lock..... my old Steeda used a set screw to lock into the cable, it’s small base broke through the firewall....Where the screw goes in.... I do have a zoom clutch that is stiffer than stock......my car is a 91 GT Conv. the clutch been in my car about 12..... years so it’s just now breaking through the firewall......

 

[ebone84]

Got my prototype together fit pretty good I’m going to paint and install tonight ....

 

[WhiteCobra95]

Very nice!

 

[ebone84]

My patch plate came out well.... and I did the bearing mod, smooth...... missed the dream cruise.... but I really like to just sit and watch the cars instead of stop and go up and down Woodward.......