smooth firewall

[cutlassmann]

I have a question I took my car 1972 cutlass that I'm getting ready to do a LS swap in and I want to get my firewall smooth out so I took it to a shop to and ask them how much let me remind u there's no engine are tranny in it and they want to charge me 2700.00 to smooth it out really I think that's too much what do you think?

[WallaceMFG]

That seems really high to me. I kinda like the shape of the firewall, so I just filled in holes in mine and cost me almost nothing. I'd check other shops before you just take it to them

[chichirone]

I had one done for $1750 on my TA and then my Camaro cost me more than twice that amount you were quoted after being quoted $2000. It ended up the Camaro had a rust issue which required us to cut it out and install a complete smoothed firewall from Eastwood. It ended up snowballing into a project in its own right totaling over $6k after having to redo holes for the steering, ac, wiper motor, etc but the finished product is fantastic. However, I would never do a complete smooth panel again unless I had a completely empty shell and I could do it myself that's how painful it ended up being. $2700 sounds a little pricey but not too far off IMO.

[cutlassmann]

Any shops in GA that anyone can recommend?

[Schwartz Performance]

Does that include paint?
We usually smooth a firewall in a day or so, then bodywork and paint on top of that. So I'd say 2500 would be a decent number granted they do great paint work.

-Dale

[cutlassmann]

Just to smooth a firewall and I just want satin black I think that's to much then they told me that it would take 32 hours really that bull !

[Schwartz Performance]

Depends on how they do it.. On a cutlass you eliminate the small holes and make a filler panel to cover the existing area where the heater box was. Then fill, sand and prime..
If they're doing the body work then it's fair no doubt

[JD'sTT55]

I would second Schwartz Performance statements. It's all about time spent to do it right. There are ways to do it right and ways to cut corners and do it for less but with possible undesired long term results (rust or bondo cracking under the paint)

[ADiCarlo]

My firewall was around 2k but that's a completely new firewall with mounts for Willwood drop pedals, down bars and enlarged tunnel area - molded by hand.

How it started:


Half way:


Pretty much done:

[DreKoushRanada]

I am about to do the same on my 1970 Cutlass. Figured you can use these links also http://www.superchevy.com/technical/.../photo_22.html and http://abcperformance.net/firewall%2...%20panels.html

[cutlassmann]

Got my firewall done

[cutlassmann]

My firewall

[cutlassmann]

We'll?

[wayward]

Smooth the firewall..

Things to think about... Heat/ air ..weld studs for vintage air?
Throttle pedal, how to attach.. Throttle Cable or wiring?

I think it's about cheap labor



We filled all our holes, wasn't satisfied and then covered the entire firewall.. I probably have 20 hours but I was really careful not to overheat anything buts really nice now... IMHO




Of course I don't charge myself labor but I would estimate this in raw metal to cost $100-$200 bucks in metal, electricity. I can't remember if I used 16 or 18 gauge but I have the rest of the sheet. I think I did 16 so it would be less wavy. And I didn't think about welding studs in for the vintage air.

In my case the paint was minimal because I already was planning on a major rework...



With all that being said just know what your buying... Dale spoke about it above, depends on the work quality.. if you car is together the labor and aggregation factor has to come into play if you are going to pay someone to do the work. Plus they are tanking the risk of taking the front end off and not scratching and or damaging it... Risk always cost more...

[wayward]

My firewall was around 2k but that's a completely new firewall with mounts for Willwood drop pedals, down bars and enlarged tunnel area - molded by hand.

How it started:


Half way:


Pretty much done:

This looks like nice work...

[Todd in Vancouver]

Did mine in my garage and as stated it is a lot of work. Doesn't take long to run up a price at $100/hr plus materials and primer, paint, etc. Nice looking work above.

[ADiCarlo]

This looks like nice work...

Thanks I'll let me welder know *thumbs up*