Clean and Neat Firewall. How? Pics appreciated

[ObscureMachine]

When i get to the engine compartment, I want the firewall as neat and clean as possible. Unfortunately mine has large and small holes all in it. Without replacing the whole thing, what's the best way to do this.

Just cut out around the holes and patch? Cut sheet metal and cover the whole sections(s)? I'm NOT talking about show quality restoration or restomod. i just want it to look minimalistic.

Thoughts and pics? - jim

 

[spap]

Some good hardware stores have black flat plastic plugs a
That actually work pretty well and blend in well in the engine compartment
A lot cheaper and if you ever need the hole again it s there

 

[DirtDonk]

I always thought an outer "skin" as a second layer over the top of the stock firewall would be a good way to do it in a Bronco.
It would clean things up visually, by still allowing you to run junk behind it (between it and the firewall) but keep it out of sight.
A secondary function is as a heat shield.
Obviously it would have to be convoluted and tight to clear things, and may even have to be relieved around the rear corner of the driver's side valve cover. But it might get the job done.

Probably a lot more work than just blocking off all the holes though!

Paul

 

[jim3326]

Spot weld the screw holes and grind flat, cut a plug from 14 ga. to fit the hole then weld and grind. You get to decide the level of grinding you want.

 

[Builtnotbought0]

Take a small piece of copper, have someone hold it over the hole on the other side and weld it. Fills in nicely

 

[Rustytruck]

There just isnt allot of extra holes in a stock Bronco unless your removing stuff. Now the wheel wells seem to get allot of previous owners modifications.

Determine what you need and weld up the rest. Can always make any covers you want and hang them by super magnets or rivet/screw them in place. Now cleaning up wires and hoses can be done pretty neatly.

 

[markw]

I did what jim3326n describes. It's a lot of work but looks good.