Complete aluminum engine firewall construction

Tips for fabricating an aluminum firewall from start to finish!
Using a bead roller, solid rivets, Dzus fasteners, slip roller, tig welder and a window over the engine.
V8 Corvair, mid-engine, transverse LS4.
Aircraft rivet spacing tool: amzn.to/3o8lfEV

[@JohnReynolds661]

After 24 hours, the score is: 27 votes for the script and 20 votes for non-script. Thanks for your vote!

[@mertonallowicious]

The algorithm only recommended your channel to me today- let me add one more belated vote for the script panel! Very inspiring work 💪

[@chetwinkles5051]

And another for me. Script. You can always change it later.

[@MarcusRefusius]

Throw me in the Script count. Beautiful.

[@thatsonebadhatharry8610]

If the Corvair script is too obvious you could make one that said Spider since it's turbocharged. Depending upon how you feel when you drive it you could change them out.

[@hotchihuahua1546]

On a scale of 1-10 I have to give you a 10 ! I’m a mechanic and machinist and enjoy and appreciate the amount of work you have put into this project . Your videos deserve recognition !

[@chrismoody1342]

John you are an artist. I’ve seen race cars built by pro shops and your work is superior . You should take great pride knowing you crafted this car with your own two hands.

[@kirstenspencer3630]

That's what I was thinking

[@cringram1003]

Absolutely

[@rogerlockridge5532]

I think your engine "firewall" is a work of art and should be allowed to remain part of the build. Great craftsmanship.

[@rcwcsi]

My vote is FOR the script! Thanks John just an AWESOME JOB on the whole series.

[@nv1493]

"I spent a lot of time obsessing over this because that's what I do".... you've just described a big part of my life 😉

[@Kevin_747]

16 minute video, hundreds of hours work. I like the no script look. Nice work.

[@bmepdoc9675]

yes

[@peterlevy7679]

Don't know anyone that puts so much thought and effort into a project, a true perfectionist in every way.

[@blackbuttecruizr]

Go with the script panel. Love your delightfully over thought and over engineered videos.

[@Bonvivantaster]

I watch videos of car repair and custom cars all day long. And yours are among my favorites, because you always show us what you're doing. It's so frustrating to watch some character wave his arms around explaining what he did, or yacking away telling us what he's going to do. You just do it, John, and that's the best part. And you're funny :-) Use that Corvair panel somewhere, even if it's not on the firewall. Thanks, and I can't wait to see this car on the road!

[@bobbieandianguenter6693]

Amazing workmanship, the scripted panel is a nice piece.

[@n6mz]

0:45 CLECOS! Now I have proof positive that you were working for Kelly Johnson at Lockheed Skunk Works when you were a kid! MAGNIFICENT work!

[@rdyardie]

This is another great video showing the workmanship that goes into "the" Corvair of Corvairs. 😊 Thank you for sharing.

[@jimanderson1355]

Beautiful craftsmanship and elegant production. Purely subjective, but the firewall can stand on it’s own, without script.

[@johncoffelt6645]

Nick Blackhurst is probably applauding your CAD (cardboard assisted design) skills

[@michaelrichter1465]

Nice looking firewall, I think the script access cover is an example of excellent craftsmanship and skill. It would be a shame not to use it. Dude, if you're worried about "trying too hard" you should have stopped a long time ago. This build is way over the top and I love every detail so far. Inspiring and educational videos with just the right amount of snarky humor. I wish you were my next door neighbor. But you would probably have to keep kicking me out of your garage. There is so much to learn from your vast skillset; you would be the greatest fabrication instructor of all time. I was thinking to myself before doing all this typing that you probably don't care for long comments. I try not to get too syrupy on a YT video comment, but your level of work is outstanding and I enjoy every second of your work you post. Thanks.

[@JohnReynolds661]

Thanks!

[@theperl9663]

In todays envronment, I find doing everything myself usually is better than having it done. When done if I like it fine, if not, I know who has to do over and better. Looks good John.

[@cringram1003]

John I like the plain one, the other is too busy with all the rivites. Spectacular job as usual.

[@bigtimegearhead]

You should consider adding thin layer of killmat to the back of your panels to help with noise, heat and vibration. With all those metal to metal panels I think your have lots of metal vibrating or clanging noise. This is the best Corvair build I’ve ever seen in my freaking life

[@jakespeed63]

Agreed…old world craftsmanship meets modern build. Definitely the way serious race cars were constructed, back in the 60’s and 70’s. Leave the Corvair script Thanks for sharing

[@Hungry_Hunter]

It is an absolute pleasure to watch your designs and fabrication process. Your videos are a joy to watch and I never miss a video. Just plain magical.

[@Friedbrain11]

Script panel looks great!

[@lunkydog]

The plain panel would be my choice. Fantastic job.

[@SaneCayne]

Holy cow John! That "Corvair" panel is amazing! I still can't believe that was bead-rolled and I just watched the footage. I hear ya about trying too hard. But it's tastefully-executed and extremely impressive. It's the perfect cherry on top of an amazing transverse-mounted V8 Corvair exercise.

[@koolkar55]

Hey John, your skillset is unsurpassed mate. Really enjoying this build. Thank you for sharing. Billy J...... Queensland, Australia.

[@BrainsofFrank]

Best video to watch while eating breakfast

[@neilforbes1082]

Holy crap John your craftsmanship is off the charts that metal work is beautiful.

[@OldBlue62]

Hats off to you. You’ve got some mad skills. I think I like it a bit better without the script panel.

[@rjung_ch]

Like the script panel, it's a work of art.

[@ro63rto]

And here I was all pleased with how I did an ok job at shortening the front mudguard for my mountain bike 😳

[@briantinkler2934]

I learn something new every time I watch one of your videos. Thanks for sharing, John.👍

[@craiglemon5026]

Nice work, John! I vote for the *script*, because it's another example to show how much of a metal-working master you are! Nice @NicoleJohnsonsDetour t-shirt too, BTW! 🙂

[@brucer7762]

Your work is exceptional! I would leave the panel plain.

[@danmooney7192]

Beautiful job. One vote for the scripted panel!

[@shotsrodder]

This build just keeps blowing my mind 😂😂 what a fine piece of art 👍

[@lchebuhar9212]

A true craftsman you are. Impressive build series. In bare metal the plain panel looks better … IMHO. 💪👍🏼

[@bobbycuesroadhouse2204]

How does John not have a million subs by now? Great video as always! I think it looks better plain, but, hey it’s your car,do whatever

[@JohnReynolds661]

I do the best I can but it's hard to get traction on YT, especially, in the tradesmen category.

[@mattknower8073]

I usually go for plain over fancy but that script panel is so sweet! Go with the “Corvair”.

[@53handyman]

Hi from France, Your work is really awesome, I love the skills you demonstrate every video !. Fantastic !

[@brownmilligan1936]

i do so look for your shows. thanks for your time.

[@johnjunge6989]

John, as always it's over the top! I'll have to go back one, seems I missed your first drive. Great stuff!

[@petem6291]

John you do outstanding work, I believe you could build the next space shuttle in your garage….

[@josephianfranklin]

Master class of automotive artwork! Brilliant stuff John. It's been a real joy watching day 1 of all this till now. Pure art!

[@dougsisk6780]

Thank you for the videos, you are an incredibly talented fabricator!!!!

[@charleschauff4609]

Kudos on your design restraint on not using the Corvair logo (not that it wasn’t your usual excellent work). Those panel insets would also be a nice spot for some thin upholstery - carpet or leather or the like.

[@mikerooney7928]

Looks Great!!! Leave the Artisan Value in the Panel. You Sir are one Hell of an Engineer!!! Hat’s Off!

[@dalespencer3565]

If your keeping score I prefer it without script. It makes my day when you put out a video. You are an excellent craftsman!

[@dougbaker9473]

Fantastic work !! Looks better with the script .

[@billbaggins9961]

Absolutely some amazing craftsmanship, Well done!

[@boatbloke6701]

Wow....yet another masterpiece John! once again, blown away by the attention to detail and finish, thank you for sharing this with us!

[@brucesumner6993]

A master at his craft!

[@ejharrop1416]

Thank you John. Impressive firewall fabrication and sheetmetal craftsmanship. The end will be great for sure and I believe the journey is a lttle better too. No rush to complete to when it will be tearing up the pavement in full song. Take care and peace out.

[@JohnReynolds661]

Thanks, it is all about the journey.

[@jimworley1048]

One of the things in life that makes me smile is the notification of a John Reynolds video. Wow the CORVAIR is looking awesome. Thanks for these Great Videos. You make bead rolling look easy, and the CORVAIR rolling made my mouth drop open. You are the Master of fabrication. Was it all self taught?? Love the awesome Firewall and also impressed with the Man Size coffee cup. I had to pause the video and go make a cup of coffee to drink with you. Please keep the videos coming, you have spoiled us followers, we need them.

[@JohnReynolds661]

Thanks Jim, yeah self taught and started young.

[@matthews8576]

It's awesome watching a master do his work.

[@hotchihuahua1546]

I enjoy watching this project coming together !

[@Volfandt]

Since you asked, LOL.... 1st off, the firewall is excellent in both craftsmanship and in it's intended function of sound, fire and exhaust protection. quad thumbs up 👍👍👍👍 As for the script sign, I like the plain look as I think your seat(s) will likely cover much of it but with that said, perhaps if there wasn't so many rivets it wouldn't look as busy and then blend in more. I dunno as it is a fine looking design and should be installed somewhere. Enjoy your vids, carry on.

[@ericnichols8995]

It's impressive. Seen through video, I thought the "Corvair" panel might look good unpolished and on the horizontal section of the firewall so it could be see through the back glass with the other features like the hump and sight glass. But you're there, and that probably tells you everything you need to know.

[@swbtlw]

Absolutely amazing work, it really is a piece of art, I think you should use the Corvair piece, it adds another dimension.

[@jeffreyworthington7558]

Beautiful work. I like the script panel.

[@edwardkosciuk4341]

Incredible craftsmanship!

[@maker-matt]

CAD = Cardboard aided design! Great job John

[@joefw2446]

Excellent! I like the plain panel better.

[@donaldbowden4047]

The script looks great ,, its a classy custom look . Not to much , but just enough . OBTW,, Great Job !

[@collisnaylor839]

Nice work. I like that quarter panel I think it’s showing off a little but that’s OK. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@TheCNCDen]

I found mounting the hand punch in a holder or vice can make punching lots of holes simpler on a part you can hold and move around.

[@craigm5511]

John, I've just stumbled across an earlier video of yours and I was instantly hooked. The effort you put into the design and construction of the car is phenomenal, and then the way you narrate/edit/produce the videos is incredible. I was hooked in the first minute of the first video I watched. I've spent the last few hours watching your previous videos. You're an exceptionally talented guy who many of us can learn from, and I look forward to seeing your KZbin channel rapidly expand as others see the work you're doing and the content you're creating. Love it!

[@JohnReynolds661]

Thanks, Craig!

[@justacoupleofkids320]

Great work, I like the plain panel myself but it’s your car, do what makes you happy…

[@48VAC]

Can't go wrong either way. Amazed at the work.

[@sirmister4411]

Awesome work. Hopefully there won’t be to much noise echo with no insulation. I like the script Great job love your work.

[@jimpalmer1944]

I like the script plate better than the plain one.

[@CS_247]

Beautiful work. I have been fabricating for 20 years, and would hire you like a shot. And pay you well...

[@thorranum]

JR. Many years ago I followed your bronco build on pirate. It was an absolute work of art. Glad to see you are still at it!

[@vdubjunkie]

Trust your instincts. I like how the script looked by itself, but it could be "trying too hard." When you get them painted, you'll know for sure. No surprise to see this level of detail you put into it after seeing how you designed the ability to service the powerplant in your Subaru bug. It's always a joy to see one of your videos come out.

[@KX6D]

John, ever since I was in highschool (80's) I wanted a mid-engine Corvair with the Corv-8 kit and a 327 into a Saginaw transaxle. After high school I heard of guys throwing in the 455 Olds with a Toronado transaxle and I though that was brilliant! Today an old video of the invention of the Corvair popped up (see below) and that led me to you. I recognized you right away as the 1st King of KOH, and from a really awesome video of you and Nicole Johnson (subscribed) in a souped up VW. Small world to be sure! Your commentary is classic and your work is beautiful. I'd sure like to see that Corvair in person and maybe go for a ride. As to the script... My OCD doesn't like the way the script is offset to the side and riveted on. If the other panel had the classic Chevy interwoven "V8" on it I could sleep at night. At the very least, you need a flux capacitor (www.oreillyauto.com/flux-capacitor)! I subscribed. Here is the Corvair video... kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3a0iaCefM14kK8

[@eclifton4070]

I'll add one vote to the non script version. It's just clean! Beautiful work as always John.

[@30bones]

Your attention to detail and abilities are so impressive.

[@StephenDanielAddeo]

"When.." 😂 love you, John.

[@goodboyringo9716]

I like the panel plan , no names on the car is clean. People know it's a Corvair

[@nashguy207]

John I think they turned out looking great!

[@chrismedeiros3201]

John, again, astounding work! Your level of craftsmanship is nearly beyond human. I also love the script better!

[@welndmn]

Bead rolling skills are amazing!

[@karencollins9363]

that is some intense dedication

[@frankfabbro752]

Looks great! You can’t improve perfect! 😊

[@Mrelectric423]

I’m really enjoying watching your channel. Thanks for taking time to make videos.

[@badmoon5249]

Amazing work, John. If we are voting, I vote for the plain panel, although the Corvair script is well done, I think you might be “gilding the lily”. Keep it stupid, simple. Or something.

[@billjulian9496]

John, all I know is that your work and attention to detail are like no other. I like the Corvair plate but the decision is yours as you are the artist of this outstanding build. Great content, TY!

[@d_rock_t]

You're insane.. in the best way possible. I want my brain to work more like yours. Keep it up.

[@joell439]

John, Stunning execution…. as always. I learn something new every episode. Thank you. Patience and focus appear to be the key in your soft spoken work, something we all can get better at. I love the effort and result of the embossed script and it would be a shame not to use it. However, since you asked my opinion, I prefer the plain look on the firewall. Maybe the panel can be used elsewhere?? How about on the inside of the hood or frunk? 👍👍😎👍👍

[@allandekoning4734]

The video was well worth the wait. Excellent design and workmanship John!! 👍🏼

[@philsulzberger7018]

Plain panel without script. Everyone knows it's a corvair. A bit like seeing oversized "4X4 " stickers on a four wheel drive. Sometimes clean skin makes a better statement. Admire your work. Phil ... Tasmania Aus.

[@danhumphrey5755]

Beautiful work, John.

[@65cj55]

Nice Work, i like the plain panel.

[@sseavert]

Love your videos John! You are definitely a craftsman! You did the work, and it looks beautiful, script all the way!.

[@b-lopez394]

John, I've watched this project( previous project, ultra4 and the VW bug sleeper) since you started it. It always amazed me how you can come up with ideas that is so perfect that if I am the one doing it, I don't change a thing 👍. "The what if", is out of the question.

[@robertrusso877]

I find it funny that you say “when the engine catches fire” instead of “if it catches fire.” Amazing work as usual - that’s why I follow your channel. Just wish you would upload more often, although it’s not as bad as project binky.

[@JohnReynolds661]

Thanks, but I'd rather a completed sub-project be done before uploading. The firewall took 250 hours.

[@robertrusso877]

@@JohnReynolds661 you are a very patient man. Again, thanks for the content and keep up the amazing work! Can’t wait to see it done.

[@e.clarkmeyer9917]

Beautiful work! I always look forward to your next video.

[@cdoublejj]

maybe you'll feel like a change later and fancy panel can be used. my thought is, as the car gets more complete and the interior is finished you,'ll know which you need for a better balance.

[@MrKeys57]

You are an artistengineer!! - greets from Sweden, Levi

[@dwcheshire]

I know you are neck deep in this build and maybe you have already seen these, but I saw a 914 with an LS in it and it was nice but I would LOVE to see your version. By the way I don't know how you have time to work on the car with all the production time you must spend making these videos, but please don't stop!

[@JohnReynolds661]

Thanks, for noticing. Videos usually take (me) a week, full time to edit. There are 300-400 clips from three cameras to trim, speed ramp, color grade, zoom, etc. and then voice-over. Luckily, I enjoy the process. Whatever project I do next will have to be a 1974 or earlier (for smog reasons) model.

[@kenknapp5023]

Very impressed with your work ! Wish you were my neighbor...

[@getoutwithrockandsherri]

Amazing work John Reynolds! Personally, I would proudly display the hand made Corvair cover!