Anybody know if they make a replacement firewall panel. Mine is suffering from rust under the ac blower and behind the distributor

 

bump

 

Got pics of how bad it is? You might be able to just patch it in with some sheet metal if it isn't too bad.

 

Pics will help. In my case I had rot in the same places, I just made up patches and welded them in (after cutting out the rot).

 

IMHO, if the firewall is rusty enough that it is beyond patching than the car is done.
That panel is welded and glued to a bunch of other panels. It's basically the backbone of the car. Replacing it properly is more work than pretty much any car is worth. And no, there aren't any repro panels so you are going to have to cut one out first.
If you have just one or two bad spots you can patch it, but if it's rotted all around the cowl seam and the corners at the wheel wells, the car is toast, find another body.

 

It can be done if the car is rare enough or has sentimental value but usually if the cowl is toast, you have rust everywhere else as well. A lot of rust can hide under paint even without bubbling it. Take a good look at your car and use a magnet before committing to rust repair.

 

Ill see if i can take some pics of it tonight and put on here. Im trying to get all the rust fixed I didn't have a chance to do before now.

 

For reference mine was rotted behind the distributor, below the main electrical and below the heater. I welded in replacement panels that I made myself. You must strip the interior including the dash and ALL under-padding etc.

As an extra step I also pored chassis saver down between the two panels (two layers) via the cowl vent and then resealed it with seam sealer. Now the two panel are really bonded together (from the chassis saver).

Most of this rust IMO is the failure of the seam sealer that then allows water to get between the two panels (layers) via the cowl vent. You have to seal this area afterwards or it will repeat.

 

Here is some shots of the rust Im dealing with right now.

in engine bay center of firewall


Down below blower box and where the wheel well ends.


Same area on the interior side.


from the interior side of the firewall.

 

Any suggestions?

 

Looks like it's in the seam so I would cut and fab the two pieces and replicate the factory look. Butt weld the new pieces in. Socket weld where they overlap. Grind the welds and it will look like new when painted.
Try to leave the area with the VIN stamp alone.
If you can find a good cowl at the wrecker, cut the pieces out of it - may be easier than fabbing depending on how your shop is set up.