Smoothing out the firewall on a '68 firebird w/ VA Gen IV

[firebirdzig]

I've heard about a lot of people smoothing out their firewall when installing the Vintage Air Gen IV. I'm sending my car to the body shop next week and I need to know if I can smooth out the firewall. If anyone has pictures of how they did this and any details that would be great! Thanks for the help! Also has anyone used the restomod air? How does it compare to the vintage air?

[sjaroslo]

Several guys talk about welding "elevator bolts" to the firewall to act as a stud for the Gen IV bracket.

Consider welding your hydraulic clutch bracket to the firewall (if you're going that route--DSE has a great picture in their catalog, I think).

If you're going with an AAW wiring harness, make sure you check the fit of the fuse panel--on a 67, the opening needs to be enlarged (your 68 is probably OK).

Might consider cleaning up the steering column penetration, as well. All lessons learned.

[65 drop top]

I welded studs to the inside of the firewall for the evaporator and routed the ac and heater lines under the fender. Also moved wiper motor over under the drivers side fender. I wish I had relocated the wiring harness, now I have to figure out a way to cover it up.

[firebirdzig]

Is the bolt pattern for the VA evaporator the same as for the stock heater box? Or is there anywhere I can get a template of where to weld the bolts so I can have it done while it's in the body shop and not have worry about it after it's painted?

[65 drop top]

On my chevelle the VA used new mounting holes so I'm guessing your car would need new holes too. Detroit speed sells mounting brackets for VA so maybe you can order that. Or VA or local air shops have mock up evaporator units you can rent or borrow. Then order the stock VA bracket and mock it up and weld in the studs.

[jwcarguy]

The 68' VA Gen IV kit doesn't use a "bracket" like a 69'
has a top mounted bracket (off main unit) that attaches to cowl with two screws
then a rear mounted bracket off main unit that is supposed to attach using a through bolt, BUT that is where guys are welding a "elevator bolt" to the inside of firewall first and then smoothing the firewall over (ie DSE fill panel,etc)

I will look through my paperwork and see if I still have the mounting template from a couple cars for the 67-8 Camaro VA system

Jeff

[firebirdzig]

Any luck on that template? Thanks!