Firewall Steel question

[jtm311]

Hello Guys getting ready to cleanup and skin the firewall on my 69. I will be going over the old one. What gauge are you guys using, 16 18 20? Also, I'm sure it is cold rolled?

John

[jlcustomz]

I decided to use some 3003h-14 alum .063 sheet for my fender/underhood sheetmetal instead of the 20 gauge steel I originally bought for the project.It,s quite a bit lighter. for steel 20 ga should be good.

[brans72]

I perfer cutting it out and using 18 gauge myself

[67 ls1 vert]

18 is easier to weld with out burning through. 16 is better but over kill and heaver

[jtm311]

Thanks for the help..
John

[MrQuick]

i like 18g cold rolled too

[coolwelder62]

18ga. cold roll works best.

[daredvl22]

I used 16 ga., but I cut out the old and replaced the whole thing. Less heat warpage, or opportunity to "oil can".

[jtm311]

Thank You guys I ordered a sheet of 18ga. One more question what did you guys do about the VIN plate?

John

[brans72]

Mine was fine where it was on the Chevelle. Good choice on the metal.

[exwestracer]

If you are going to cover it, cut a window that shows the entire plate, and lap weld around it. As long as the original star rivets are visible, you shouldn't have any problems with "the man"...

[BuzzKillian]

The tag on the firewall is just a trim tag. Your VIN is on the dash. Since you're smoothing the fire wall, you are not concerned about originality. Just remove it. (You might want to keep it, in case you ever want to go back)

[jtm311]

Great thanks ...
John