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Weak firewalls?

Started by deathsled, March 27, 2024, 11:55:59 PM

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deathsled

I happened upon a discussion about the alleged weak firewall on early Mustangs.  Apparently the brake pedal application can cause the firewall to flex.  I also have a clutch pedal.  The car is not tracked but are there any potential nasty surprises I might encounter with anything breaking or bending with the current pedal setup? 

This is the starting point of a video showing a totally modified 67 fastback where the topic was mentioned.
https://youtu.be/RazJt1rESh4?si=s1qbdQBGKFnwac8I&t=907

I got to researching the issue (as I am want to do) and apparently Hane Performance (Walt Hane who raced and won the B Production in 1966 in an R Model) created a solution.  Not something I would really want to do to a street car and especially not to 6s843 but I don't like surprises while out on a jaunt.
http://haneperformance.com/Firewall-Brace.html
https://youtu.be/RazJt1rESh4?si=s1qbdQBGKFnwac8I&t=907

Apparently no new holes need to be drilled.  It looks awkward but perhaps necessary in a car with metal that is 57 years old? 

As an addendum, I can really recommend Hane's book "Racing to Riverside."  It was a very enjoyable read and he really analyzed the weaknesses he found in the R Model that he modified to make the car indestructible during the racing season in 1966.  The ingenuity he used on his R model was inspiring to say the least. I have no proverbial dog in the fight.  Just passing on a good read.
http://haneperformance.com/index.html
"Low she sits on five spoke wheels
Small block eight so live she feels
There she's parked beside the curb
Engine revving to disturb
She's the princess from his past
Red paint gold stripes damned she's fast"

CharlesTurner

Could very well be a weak area, but under normal driving conditions, shouldn't be a problem.  I've never noticed the area bent or cracked on original cars and ones I've disassembled.  If I remember right, 67-68 do have a reinforcement area there, spot welded in.
Charles Turner
MCA/SAAC Judge

deathsled

Since my car is seriously a day two car, I will consider Hane's option in light of the fact that there are no new holes needed to be drilled and it is a bolt on bolt off part.  Thank you for your analysis.
"Low she sits on five spoke wheels
Small block eight so live she feels
There she's parked beside the curb
Engine revving to disturb
She's the princess from his past
Red paint gold stripes damned she's fast"