I'm getting to the point where I'm going to start doing some bodywork, and I want to smooth out my firewall a little. There a bunch of dimples all over it, which I'd like to get rid of, but I'm not sure the right way to go about filling them. Also, there a line of seam sealer that runs along near the top of the firewall, I'd like to smooth this also. What would happen if I were to sand this smooth? I don't want to do anything that will cause problems later on. Thanks,

Rob


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Now: 67 Malibu 4-door
283/PG
In 5 years: 69 COPO/427

I'm no expert but have done several of my own cars. The oldest job is about 6 years ago and still looks like the day I finished it.

I used a heat gun and putty knife to remove all of the rubberized coatings and sealers. Then used mineral spirits to clean it the rest of the way. Sanded off the paint which left the high and low spots easy to see. A little hammering on the high spots and sanded out the dimples. Used body filler to smooth out the whole surface including the seam. I wouldn't recommend sanding down the seam at all, just feather the filler out to hide it. Finish sand the firewall, prime and paint.

So easy to clean and don't have dust/dirt collecting like in all those depressions on the factory original wall.

I took a scraper & removed the putty type stuff - came off real easy. Sanded down the seam & used body filler to fill the low spots. Sanded it smooth. It came out OK.

Mike Sibbitt
66 396 SS

has anyone else done it this way? i was going to remove the firewall seam off my car then spray some self etch primer in the seam area then apply body filler. what do you guys think?

anyone?

Yeah, you can do it that way. By "removing the seam" what exactly are you talking about. Unless you NEVER take your car to the track. Leave the factory firewall. NHRA gets REAL picky about factory firewalls. If you "remove" the seam and weld in a new firewall, make sure it's as thick as the factory piece and your welds are nice. This is actually how I would probably do it. It'll have a cleaner appearance then just smoothing what you have now. It's definately easier to fill the old 'wall, and it'll look fine, it'll look better with a truely smooth 'wall.

After you remove the seam sealer make sure everything is clean, take a little extra time and weld the seam up before you use body filler. There is a less chance of it cracking. I would use Metal 2 Metal Filler first and then use your finish filler. It will not shrink near as much as mine did. I have to redo mine and that sucks.

I was talking about the seam sealer on the firewall. thanks for the above picture, that looks good. thanks for the information. i will be doing it the same way then, seems like that is the best way to go. i will take the sealer off with a wire wheel and clean it. use the metal to metal filler then use my finishing filler. can i spot weld it? or is it best that i weld the complete seam?
thanks

I posted about this a little while ago and didn't get much input. I would also like to smooth my firewall. I have already welded up the old A/C holes, but have yet to do anything beyond that. I will post some pics when I get a chance.

can i spot weld it? or is it best that i weld the complete seam?
Yes, spot welding would be best to keep the heat down. I like to weld it solid with spot weld. Take your time and work on another part of your car at the same time. That will help to keep you from doing to many spot welds at once and it getting to hot. That's what I have to do because I don't have the patience. Ryan

i hear ya on the patience part. thanks