Is Your Firewall Rather Roughly Stamped?

[Bingster]

I finally got to painting the firewall on my '47 Desoto S-11 and noticed that it as well as the inner fender wells sheet metal have been stamp formed and there are a lot of stress marks/lines. I supposse since these parts are not seen they were not as particular as the outer sheet metal. makes perfect sense. But have you folks noticed many factory paint runs on these inner pieces?

[Robert Horne]

I bought a 48 Dodge last month. While cleaning the firewall and engine compartment, I was amazed how nice it was when I got off a bit of dirt and grime. After a little polish and wax, the firewall looks really good. I think the factory did a good job on the firewall.............

[Plymouthy Adams]

there are some stress marks on the firewall due to the stamping process and some of the more acute angles rolls and depressions...they are really not that bad considering..I found them to be less than the spare tire well on the station wagon..these have many a flat lines running vertical around the perimeter of the well..

[Joe Flanagan]

I didn't find any paint runs but I did see plenty of deformation on parts that would not be seen, mainly the firewall. Also some on the pieces that make up the inner fender wells.

[Niel Hoback]

Unexposed panels are made from a different grade of steel that is cheaper to make and thus cheaper to buy when you are making car parts.

Unexposed panels are a grade called CQ that is produced to be softer and easier to stamp. It also shows strains and doesn't draw well. Thats why firewalls, floor panels, door, hood, fender, 1/4 panel and deck lid inners look a little wrinkled.

Exposed panels are grade DQ and DQSK, which draws very well, but is harder and more expensive to make. These grades can also be made in various degrees of hardness so you can actually lean on your car without denting it. But that costs more to produce.

CQ sheet steel is used somewhat as a reward to the steel maker for producing and supplying a good quality DQ product, ie; if you meet automakers demands for DQ and DQSK orders, they will reward you with orders for CQ, which has a good profit margin.

But then, who asked?

[T120]

..Not something I thought about Niel,but there's always a nugget of knowledge to be gained by reading some of the threads.Thanks for the input.