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Wood vs metal firewall for a TT
Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2020 9:46 pm
by Corvette Guy
I've got a 1924 TT via the engine number that has a wooden firewall and a low radiator. It also has a beaded rear axle, a starter, dismountable wheels, no generator but it has a block off plate.
Anyhow, the firewall is rotted out and needs replaced. Can I change it to a metal one, if so which style? Or am I better off making another wooden one, there is enough of the old one to use a pattern?
Re: Wood vs metal firewall for a TT
Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2020 10:46 pm
by Steve Jelf
I expect you can use a metal firewall if you want. It will need to be 1923 to go with the low radiator.
Re: Wood vs metal firewall for a TT
Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 12:12 am
by HPetrino
Firewall brackets are listed as 1917-1922 and 1923-1927. I'm not positive about this, but I think the difference was to accommodate a metal vs. wood firewall. I THINK if you change from a wood firewall to a metal firewall you'll need to change the brackets too. Of course you cold make one. Alternatively Chaffins, for example, has them for $110.
Note: I'm pretty sure a 1924 engine and a beaded rear axle did not come out of the factory together. Something has been changed.
Re: Wood vs metal firewall for a TT
Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 4:41 am
by Wayne Sheldon
Wooden fire wall and beaded rear TT housings? Two pre-'23 details and a '24 engine? Other parts, fenders, hood shelves, frame to body brackets could pinpoint it closer, but I suspect your TT is early '20s with a later engine.
Re: Wood vs metal firewall for a TT
Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 10:13 am
by HPetrino
If you're interested in digging a little deeper into what year your truck might be take a look at the horn button, the patent plate and the rear chassis cross member. These will point in a direction, but probably not pinpoint the YOM.
If your truck is registered/licensed leave that part alone. Researching YOM is purely for your information. Fooling with DMV once the vehicle title/registration is established would be ill-advised.
Re: Wood vs metal firewall for a TT
Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 11:36 am
by Susanne
It sounds like it's an earlier truck someone put a later engine into at some time... my 2ยข, I'd use the old one as a template for a new one, as otherwise you'll have to re-engineer the body for the metal firewall... which might be a lot more complicated than it's worth!
Re: Wood vs metal firewall for a TT
Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 12:02 pm
by RajoRacer
Is it a steel "Ford" cab or an aftermarket "wooden" cab ? Knowing that can assist in determining what you have.
Re: Wood vs metal firewall for a TT
Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 12:19 pm
by Steve Jelf
Some of the comments and questions prompt me to ask: How about some pictures? It might help if we know what we're talking about.
Re: Wood vs metal firewall for a TT
Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 10:03 pm
by Corvette Guy
Ya, ya, ya, I know this post is worthless without picts, so here goes.
Re: Wood vs metal firewall for a TT
Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 10:12 pm
by Dallas Landers
HA, all were wrong. No cab TT. I wood stick with wood. You have seen mine Scott. Oh ya I have a metal firewall. If you have a good pattern, I would use it so you dont have to change mounts. Its going to be one of a kind. I think you will have fun with it no matter what.
Re: Wood vs metal firewall for a TT
Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 10:58 pm
by dobro1956
Since you have a low radiator, it dictates what you can do without a radiator change. A low steel firewall with a pair of brackets for a steel firewall will make your most solid steering column mounting possible. Low steel firewalls are not real hard to find. I think I still have several in various conditions if you need one. Then you can place the body firewall behind the low steel firewall and build the body of your choice from there back.
Re: Wood vs metal firewall for a TT
Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2020 3:29 am
by D Stroud
If it was mine, I would do as Donnie said. IMO, way easier. I have one or two around here too and brackets. Not NOS by any means, but usable. Dave