Heater core/firewall cover install

[91Bear]

Hi, I have a brand new ABS firewall cover that I have been wanting to install. My speedometer is not working and the heater core needs replacing. I figure I can just replace the heater core (no A/C) when I have to remove the heater unit while installing the firewall cover. I think the speedometer problem is an old cable that is probably broken. I have a new one.

How involved is the installation of a firewall cover? What all has to be removed, besides the old cover and the heater unit, gas pedal and...?

I guess I am just trying to figure out if I can get this done in about six hours on my next day off, as that will be about the limit of the time I have.

[jimmy828]

seems to me you would have to remove steering column unless you put a split in the cover around the column. I have a new one also but has not been installed yet. My column is also out of truck because of interior work.

[flyboy2610]

I put one of these in my truck, and anything and everything attached to the firewall needs to come out. The parking brake, column, gas pedal, heater all need to come off. You may want to remove the seat for some more "wiggle room."
I did not split the cover for the steering column. I installed it, then from the engine compartment I used an awl and shoved it through the column bolt holes to mark the location. Then from inside the cab I enlarged the holes slightly, and bolted the column back in. If this is the one from LMC, you will be pleased to find that most of the bolt holes for things line up quite nicely.
Do the heater core while the box is out of the truck. 6 hours for the whole job may be pushing it, though.
If you have any plans to replace the carpet, do it all at the same time, and do the carpet first as it will be really tough to shove it up under the firewall cover after it is installed.
I though I had some pics of this, but I can't find them anywhere.