Firewall repair?

[burrpenick]

My '72 Cuda has a quarter sized hole about 6-8" from the master cylinder. This is not a show car and I planned on welding a patch and then por15 both sides. Ideas? Comments?

Thanks, Barracuda George in Tallahassee 

[360 'CUDA]

I would weld in a patch but it depends on how good you are at fabbing up parts. Also I think you will find more rust then that once you start looking in the cowl and under the windshield.

As far as putting on a hockey stick on it go for it because they look great but those stripes only came on 1970 cars from the factory.

[ksierens]

Do you have a picture?  Here is another topic which shows the firewall holes:

http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=30820.0

[dougs bs23]

I would weld in a patch but it depends on how good you are at fabbing up parts. Also I think you will find more rust then that once you start looking in the cowl and under the windshield.

 
 

you may also find problems similar to some of these pics
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=32973.0

[Lunchbox]

Its always worse then it looks, rust is funny like that  You might start gong at it then you will find more and more. A pic would help.

 

Lunch

[burrpenick]

You guys had it right, the hole was bigger, but still not to bad, about 3" and not too close to the master cylinder. That patch should be OK, but the upper cowl area also had some rust through. What options are possible on that repair other than welding? This car will not be outside, so I was considering fiberglass? Can I get to that area from the outside of the car when the plastic grills are removed?

Also, I have access to a power brake master cylinder off a 99 Dodge full sized VAN. Would it work OK on the 360/727 Cuda that came with power discs? It may have the anti lock, but maybe that could be blocked off?
Thanks, George in Tallahassee

[ksierens]

You could fiberglass it, but it won't last, the only right way is to cut out the rusted areas and weld in good metal.

[ShelbyDogg]

George,
He's right.  The only way to fix that is to use new metal and a welder.   Any leaks up there will end up on your feet and carpet.  Most times it travels down the firewall and wets your carpet under the floor mats and it stays wet for weeks or months. 

As far as the Master Cylinder,  Autozone has a rebuilt one for only $16.99.  How much would you pay after the front gets wrecked because your brakes failed?

Rob

[Challenger6pak]

Weld it.  Your car is a unibody and it will flex.  Over time the flexing can cause the fiberglass to come loose where it is attached to the steel.