Register now to get rid of these ads!

Technical Fabbing new firewall - proper gauge sheetmetal?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by vintage44, Aug 11, 2019.

  1. vintage44
    Joined: Dec 27, 2007
    Posts: 290

    vintage44
    Member
    from NY

    I've searched for some related info here on the HAMB with no luck. What gauge sheetmetal should I use if I want to mount the master cylinder on it? Should I just mount the M/C on the frame and go with a lighter more easily handled sheet metal?
     
    31hotrodguy likes this.
  2. tb33anda3rd
    Joined: Oct 8, 2010
    Posts: 17,583

    tb33anda3rd
    Member

    any sheet metal firewall will need an inner brace/braces to not flex when applying the brakes.
     
  3. HOTRODPRIMER
    Joined: Jan 3, 2003
    Posts: 64,758

    HOTRODPRIMER
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    16 Gauge is what the aftermarket guys are using. HRP
     
  4. 1ton
    Joined: Dec 3, 2010
    Posts: 722

    1ton
    Member

    I don't think mounting the MC to sheetmetal alone is a good idea. If not using a frame or bracket at least put some sort of stiffners in there.
     
  5. HOTRODPRIMER
    Joined: Jan 3, 2003
    Posts: 64,758

    HOTRODPRIMER
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I agree,regardless of the gauge sheet metal used to make the firewall some bracing would be advisable. HRP
     
  6. vtx1800
    Joined: Oct 4, 2009
    Posts: 1,904

    vtx1800
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Many years ago I hung a dual master brake/clutch on the firewall of the 38, I used a couple of pieces of 1/8 inch ?? stiffen it, it worked but I wouldn't do it that way today....well I have the floor pedals back in like it was org built and the firewall looks way better with out that ugly master on it.

    My suggestion is go with the frame mount, I suspect you can find a kit if you don't have any of the org pieces to modify. (I built my own using the org pedals)
     
  7. gene-koning
    Joined: Oct 28, 2016
    Posts: 5,791

    gene-koning
    Member

    I use 16G and sometimes 18G for the firewall, but I make a bracket that the master cylinder bolts p*** through after going through the firewall that extends to the bottom of the dash. The bracket is usually made with 16G or even 14G and is also used to mount the pedal pivot to. With everything bolted together, it stiffens the firewall up a lot. I found the bracket does a better job then using thicker metal on the firewall.

    The additional brackets are how the modern cars reinforce the firewall, and in the past, I recycled some late model brackets. Gene
     
    vtx1800 likes this.
  8. southcross2631
    Joined: Jan 20, 2013
    Posts: 4,412

    southcross2631
    Member

    16 ga. with a stiffener bracket to the cage dash bar. DSCF3522.JPG
     
    tb33anda3rd likes this.
  9. tb33anda3rd
    Joined: Oct 8, 2010
    Posts: 17,583

    tb33anda3rd
    Member

    I aways ad, not only a brace back to the bottom of the dash, but also one up to the top of the dash. this along with the steering column mount, creates the power of multiple triangles.
     
  10. nochop
    Joined: Nov 13, 2005
    Posts: 4,591

    nochop
    Member
    from norcal

    I used 10 ga. On mine. Stiff as f*#k, heavy too. But that’s what my dad used on it in the 50’s so I used it as a template
     

Share This Page

Register now to get rid of these ads!

Archive

Copyright © 1995-2021 The Jalopy Journal: Steal our stuff, we'll kick your teeth in. Terms of Service. Privacy Policy.

Atomic Industry
Forum software by XenForo™ ©2010-2014 XenForo Ltd.