Go Back   The Ford Barn > General Discussion > Early V8 (1932-53)

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 07-10-2016, 09:05 AM   #1
white64
Senior Member
 
white64's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Pittston , MAine
Posts: 222
Default '40 firewall, what's that big hole for?

It seems that most '40 firewalls have a plug for the big hole in the center of the firewall, is that what I'm missing? Neither of the '40s I've had (such as they were) had anything there.. My '38 Plymouth (first pic) had the coil stuffed in a hole in a very similar location...
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 100_0898.jpg (91.3 KB, 91 views)
File Type: jpg 046.jpg (70.9 KB, 87 views)

Last edited by white64; 07-10-2016 at 09:17 AM.
white64 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-10-2016, 09:09 AM   #2
PeterC
Senior Member
 
PeterC's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 855
Default Re: '40 firewall, what's that big hole for?

[QUOTE=white64;1321486]It seems that most '40 firewalls have a plug for the big hole in the center on the firewall, is that what I'm missing? /QUOTE]
39's have that as well - I believe that was used for dealer added hot air heat supply to interior. I am not positive if correct so others will chime in and add to this.
PeterC is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 07-10-2016, 10:04 AM   #3
RalphM
Senior Member
 
RalphM's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: North Pole, Alaska
Posts: 2,646
Default Re: '40 firewall, what's that big hole for?

Heater option.
RalphM is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-10-2016, 10:21 AM   #4
white64
Senior Member
 
white64's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Pittston , MAine
Posts: 222
Default Re: '40 firewall, what's that big hole for?

Thanks! Where might I find a plug? I could make one but it looks like there is more to the plug than a round disc. Tapered edges, and I would assume bolts welded to the back of it?
white64 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-10-2016, 10:59 AM   #5
Kube
Senior Member
 
Kube's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 8,937
Default Re: '40 firewall, what's that big hole for?

Quote:
Originally Posted by white64 View Post
Thanks! Where might I find a plug? I could make one but it looks like there is more to the plug than a round disc. Tapered edges, and I would assume bolts welded to the back of it?
It wasn't a plug exactly. It was a knock out. That is, the instrument panel was semi perforated at that area in anticipation of a hot air heater being installed.

To "replace" this, I'd suggest making a round blank to fit and welding from the rear. Or, as long as authenticity does not matter to you, how about flattening out that area of the panel, welding in a patch and finishing it smooth?
__________________
"I can explain it for you. However, I can't understand it for you".
Kube is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-10-2016, 01:29 PM   #6
white64
Senior Member
 
white64's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Pittston , MAine
Posts: 222
Default Re: '40 firewall, what's that big hole for?

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
That's probably why I don't have a "plug" .. the '40 sedan that was more complete had the hot air option or what was left of it in the trunk (the carbon monoxide option, might be a better description...) , never tried to figure it out. Any one need a box of hot air parts for the cost of shipping?

I'll make a disc to fit.. any welding at this point will raise hell with my checker board!

Thanks again,
white64 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-10-2016, 01:46 PM   #7
JSeery
Member Emeritus
 
JSeery's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Wichita KS
Posts: 16,132
Default Re: '40 firewall, what's that big hole for?

Epoxy a piece in place with a backer from the inside and paint it to match.
JSeery is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-10-2016, 03:00 PM   #8
Kube
Senior Member
 
Kube's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 8,937
Default Re: '40 firewall, what's that big hole for?

Quote:
Originally Posted by white64 View Post
That's probably why I don't have a "plug" .. the '40 sedan that was more complete had the hot air option or what was left of it in the trunk (the carbon monoxide option, might be a better description...) , never tried to figure it out. Any one need a box of hot air parts for the cost of shipping?

I'll make a disc to fit.. any welding at this point will raise hell with my checker board!

Thanks again,
Make a disc a bit larger in diameter than the hole. Weld a stud to the center (back side) of the disc.
To hold in place, drill a hole in a piece of (example) 1" x 1/8" x 4" steel. Place that over the stud (beneath the dash) and mock washer and nut. Walla! No fuss, no muss and noooo welding.
__________________
"I can explain it for you. However, I can't understand it for you".
Kube is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-10-2016, 04:51 PM   #9
white64
Senior Member
 
white64's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Pittston , MAine
Posts: 222
Default Re: '40 firewall, what's that big hole for?

Got it, took a 2.5 inch hole saw, 1/16 plate, voila! A plug! With a centered hole! just use the two side holes (where there was a clamp for the heat tube, I guess) to support a crossbar inside, the "plug" outside, a stainless machine screw! and done!
white64 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:38 PM.