Projects 1932 Firewall in a 1930 Coupe

I took a break from installing a set of Steadfast Manufacturing subrails (Model A body on 1932 frame) to address another part of the project. When I started my Model A project (originally a Flathead in a Roadster) I had everything worked out as far as placing the engine without cutting the firewall. Along the way, the engine grew to a 315 Dodge Hemi requiring a little more frame and a beefier drivetrain. I landed a good deal on a bare 1932 frame (aftermarket) which gave me a few more inches up front but I still wanted a bit more for the 1930 Coupe body which replaced the Roadster. I looked at reversing the original Model A firewall and even the available recessed firewalls. Both might have worked but the real problem was the width of the Hemi heads, especially on the "Tall Deck" engines. The new recessed Model A firewalls did not seem to be wide enough in the recess portion. Along the way, I stumbled across a post from 2018 by "luckypots" here on the HAMB who was faced with a similar problem with a Chrysler Hemi. A seed was planted and over the past several days I set out to create a similar firewall. Probably the major difference being that I am trying to retain the original front body mount area of the subrails which will require me to tie in, cap and/or finish the small area where the original Model A firewall is riveted to the subrail extension.

I was lucky enough to have a spare cowl, gas tank and firewall so I did not have to disturb my current body until I had all the bugs worked out. I was also able to do the work on an elevated table which made things easier on the back. In my case I placed the Model A firewall on a piece of foam lined poster board (easy to cut yet firm enough for a good pattern). When I was happy with the pattern, I transferred it to the new 1932 "flat panel" firewall making sure that it fit tightly inside the perimeter of the Model A mounting flange. Once it was welded together, I installed the two pieces into my spare cowl and drew a line around the outer lip in order to make the first cut. The attached pictures show the initial cut and fitting. I plan to think about it a day or so but the current thought is that I will cut another 1/2" or so off of the lip to bring the new firewall back from the leading edge and making that edge less visible. As soon as I can finalize the placement of the engine mounts, I will test fit everything to see how much room I will need to clear the bellhousing. As it stands. I gained an additional 3.5" clearance from the front edge of the original firewall to the flat face portion of the new firewall or 3" if I measure to the raised bead in the center of the new firewall. The new firewall sits about 1" in front of the gas tank so it could still be used if you really wanted to (I don't). Measured from the leading edge of the cowl, the flat surfaced of the firewall now sits about 1.25" back from that edge.

 

That looks like it will work out really well. Thanks for sharing.

 

Very nice twist on making the A yer way!

 

Nicely done..............should we now call you "Hemihead" instead of "Flathead" ?

 

Nice little trick! Love those dimpled valve covers on the hemi!

 

Thanks! I guess I better stick with Flathead instead of Hemihead although it does make sense. LOL

 

Thanks Tim! The dimpled covers came with the engine but one was dinged up a bit. Luckily, I found another on Ebay. The hard part was to surgically remove the wire cover threaded part. My biggest problem is that I get too wrapped up in the little details.

 

I bet one of those paintless dent guy could fix it.

 

The dents I was able to take care of if needed. The bigger problem was that the one had a few gouges and when I found a good one, I gave up and focused on the two good ones.