The Ford Barn

white64 · 07-10-2016, 09:05 AM

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...

PeterC · 07-10-2016, 09:09 AM

[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.

RalphM · 07-10-2016, 10:04 AM

Heater option.

white64 · 07-10-2016, 10:21 AM

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?

Kube · 07-10-2016, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by white64

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?

white64 · 07-10-2016, 01:29 PM

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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,

JSeery · 07-10-2016, 01:46 PM

Epoxy a piece in place with a backer from the inside and paint it to match.

Kube · 07-10-2016, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by white64

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.

white64 · 07-10-2016, 04:51 PM

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!

07-10-2016, 09:09 AM	#2
PeterC Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Connecticut Posts: 859	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.

07-10-2016, 10:04 AM	#3
RalphM Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: North Pole, Alaska Posts: 2,667	Re: '40 firewall, what's that big hole for? Heater option.

07-10-2016, 10:21 AM	#4
white64 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Pittston , MAine Posts: 222	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?

07-10-2016, 01:29 PM	#6
white64 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Pittston , MAine Posts: 222	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,

07-10-2016, 01:46 PM	#7
JSeery Member Emeritus Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 16,132	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.

07-10-2016, 04:51 PM	#9
white64 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Pittston , MAine Posts: 222	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!