Just a quick question. Since I have my truck disassembled, I was thinking of adding the firewall reinforcement plate for the hydraulic clutch. In reviewing the threads and how it is installed, they drill holes up into the bottom of the cowl and also into the firewall. I am reluctant to drill holes into the bottom of the cowl where water could someday become a problem, so I was wondering if I could use rosette welds to secure it instead of bolts. Perhaps a few plug welds in the field or panel bonding adhesive in the field to make the two plates become one. Any thoughts on that idea?

 

I wouldnt see why not. The drill in steps are really there so the dealer techs wouldn't have to weld or risk catching a vehicle on fire.

 

Thanks, Archion.
At this stage, there is not a lot there to catch fire, and it will be completely stripped by the time I get to that point. Complete wiring harness has already been removed, as well as the steering column AC vents, etc. I have the cab sitting on a dolly I made for it, while I play with the frame, but there isn't much left to remove to call it completely stripped.

 

No need to weld it in....unless is because you don't wanna drill the 2 holes in the cowl?


https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post11358654

 

I did the holes in the cowl, not really an issue with leaking where they have you do it. The one to the tunnel I did weld, as I don't have a 90 degree drill, and couldn't fit a regular drill in the area. I didn't want to disassemble the dash that much.

 

Thanks guys,
I am trying to keep things under the hood as clean as possible, hence my query. I know it will never be in the class of a SEMA show car, but I do want it to look really nice and maybe turn some heads at a local cruise-in. Welding in that reinforcement panel won't be a big deal and may be easier than drilling, bolting, and sealing. I did want to make sure there wasn't something else going on that would make welding it inadvisable. Thanks for the input and advice.

 

I do advise only stitching it in, do not solid weld. My one concern with welding, may be invalid, but don't want to introduce a new stress int he form of heat affected zones next to the welds for a new place to crack.Also, if you aren't already, be aware that the studs will need to be longer on the clutch master.

 

Thanks Fellro,
My main concern was the heat and its affect on the metal. I'll make sure to minimize the stress, with a few plugs and a few stitches at the perimeter.

Now that you mention it, I do remember about the master cylinder studs. Thanks for reminding me about that, and for all the input. I really appreciate it.