The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Firewall inserts - FINISHED!

I'm planning on making a inserts to cover holes in the firewall. I'm a do-it-yourself kinda guy so I'm gonna have to mount it without welding it on cause I don't have a welder. I don't want to use sheet metal screws because I'd like to have it as clean looking as possible. I found a high temp metal glue that I might use. Do you think it work? Any suggestions?

mobileortho
I don't have much confidence in glue as a permanent fix, especially if it will be working in a vibration zone. I can only tell you what I would do in your situation. I would buy a cheap mig welder and learn to tack weld; it will take you about 1.5 hours to learn. Then I would tack weld sheet metal pieces to the back of my firewall covering holes I wanted to fill. Then I would use body filler to finish filling the holes.

I agree. they are cheap at harbor freight, sometimes less than a hundred bucks

My firewall was a MESS also a zillion holes ....I made 2 cardboard templates and had cover plates made at a local fab shop for like $20 , I used screws around the perimeter to install
with black RTV as a sealant behind the plates. after painting it I think it looks ok .
Tim

The modern automotive panel adhesive will work fine for securing your panels. Most all of the modern cars are using copious quantities of the sticky stuff instead of spot welds.

If you have any doubts, try pulling a rear quarter panel off a modern vehicle.

Dave

i agree with Dave , my hood rear cross support had come loose over the half century ..my painter after removin the fiberglass reson my Unc. prob used yrs ago ...used that Glue to bond the skin back to the support ..I BET it will be good when im long gone !

Think about this, What sticks to a prepped metal surface the best?
Answer: Body filler
Prep both surfaces with 36 grit sandpaper and bond the 2 pieces (firewall & patch) together, let body filler harden and sand smooth.

Will the panel adhesive tolerate the heat from the engine compartment?

US military fighters use epoxy for attaching all sorts of brackets for tubing and harness supports. I'm sure epoxy will hold metal plugs to a firewall.

How about some product names guys? There are as many different adhesives as stars in the sky!

How about some product names guys? There are as many different adhesives as stars in the sky!

The previous owner of our 53 had glued a panel over the firewall, we had a heck of a time getting it off. The panel glue works, it had been on the firewall for about 5 years. No screws, no welding just glue. If the panel had been a better fit we would have let it stay. I must have worked days on trying to get it off.

Just got back from Walmart. Picked up some Loctite Extreme Repair. According to the package, it's "for bonds subject to harsh weather, temperature, inpact & vibration", which sounds perfect. I'll let you know how it works.

Just finished the inserts. added some pics to my webshots. I decided to go ahead and add the sheet metal screws for extra security. Not sure if I'll paint the panels or not. I think the stainless looks pretty cool.

Good work Bud! You are sure working fast! I hope I'll be able to drive mine to the nursing home.

theres a body filler called nu metal thats waterproof im using it to glue my new floor boardes over my sand blasted old ones it would work good on a fire wall also

Product name:

3M Automix panel adhesive...pn 08116 . Most any body shop can order a tube of it from their suppliers. They may even have a cheaper substitute as the dual-chamber tube is a bit pricey. You can also "Google" and get the full rundown on the product.

As for the heat factor...heat is generated by the combination of the 2 epoxy components as they mix at the nozzle. If you've ever replaced door skins and spot welded on the new one you'll appreciate the speed and durability of the panel adhesive. Locked on and sealed all in one step. Only down side is that seperating glued panels makes drilling out spot welds seem like child's play.

Dave

I also picked up a can of high heat foam filler that I plan to use to fill the voids behind the panel. I'll seal the small holes from the inside with aluminum tape, then spray it into the cavity. It should make a good heat barrier, as well as make the panels more rigid.

If your talking about the larger holes put there by the factory you can go to a good hardware supplier and get plugs in various sizes made from plastic or aluminum that snap in and look half decent. the tops are only slightly domed and if only using a few they almost look like they belong there. Unless your going for the smooth look I guess.

Awesome Job !!! looks great !