fire wall flexes where accelerator pivots.

[Jim Comet]

While standing in the engine compartment of my 66 Comet installing my rack set up, I happened to move the accelerator rod and noticed the firewall flexes where the pivot mounts like it was paper thin. Is this normal? Is there a common fix? Thanks, Jim

[fastback 427]

Have you checked for cracks? Sometimes a fine crack can be hard to spot under paint or the factory coating.

[ScotiaFE]

Sure it's the fire wall?
The bracket that mounts to the wall is held on by sheet metal screws and the do work lose after
all these years. I have a small plate cut to fit on the inside wall and use bolts and nuts now.
Much stiffer and with the double spring and big Holley it makes a difference.

[mlcraven]

There were some firewall issues that required attention on the 67 Cyclone thanks to a leaking heater core and wet firewall insulation inside the car, but the accelerator pivot area was solid with no flex.  On re-assembly, rather than just fastening the accelerator fulcrum fitting to the firewall with the original screws, I bolted it back on in much the same manner as Scotia FE.  It's very solid and gives peace of mind.   

[Lenz]

Don't have a Comet handy, but I'm having a hard time thinking the firewall is weak.   I was gonna toss my two cents in but when I hit post I got the warning in red that others were involved.  I think what you see before me is gonna address the issue, it's solid stuff.

[Jim Comet]

I will most likely add a plate to the inside and use bolts. I will look again but I am sure the metal was flexing with me lightly moving it with 2 fingers. Also I did give up Windor cokes for lent so I am pretty sure I was seeing straight and not imagining it. Jim.

[Drew Pojedinec]

Had firewall flexing with late 80's era ford trucks with hydraulic clutches.
The repair was just a metal plate you'd bolt on.

If it is the firewall, just make a plate and cruise on.

[fe66comet]

My 66 did that' once I pulled the carpet and collom I discovered cracks following the steering collum mounting flange all the way down to where the tunnel me3tz the floor board. Also my transmission supports had ripped away due to rust. My solution is to replace any weak metal and brace the area up. It is a lot of work though due to the heater and firewall blanket needs to be removed along with the carpet.

[cammerfe]

About a jillion years ago, I had fire-wall flex problems after I put a hydraulic clutch set-up in my '34 Five Window. As has been said above, the answer is a back-up plate to, in effect, make the fire-wall thicker and less flexible in the area, thus spreading out the load.

KS