FAQ's aka Frequently Asked Questions...

Q. What gauge steel are the firewalls and floorboards made from?
A. All of Direct Sheetmetal's firewalls and floors are made out of 16 gauge cold-rolled steel (060.) The tunnels are made from 18 gauge cold-rolled (.048).

Q. What is a rosette weld?
A. A rosette weld is when you punch or drill a hole (approx. 5/16") through one place of material to weld into another piece of material. You use this type of weld when one piece overlaps another piece. All of Direct Sheetmetal's floors weld in this way.

It's a good rule that if the face of the firewall gets too hot to touch, stop and let it cool off.

It should take about 60-90 minutes to weld in your new firewall.

Q. Do I have to use a new floorboard if I change my firewall?
A. No, but all of our firewalls have a floorboard to match up to. This makes for a more professional job.

Q. Why do I have to trim some parts?
A. Although most parts we make DO NOT have to be trimmed, some such as toeboards and tranny extensions may have to. Here's why: Every car is different. When you install a floor, it usually comes in 6 or 7 pieces. If you do not get the main floors in the exact spot we did when we produced our templates, some trimming will be required. We make our parts to overlay other parts so trimming is ok. Remember, bigger is better. (No pun intended). It is harder to add material than to trim material. When installing a floor, screw the main floor and tunnel in place. Lay the left and right toeboards in place. If they fit, screw them in place. If not, mark and trim them to get a good fit. Remember, the left and right toeboards may not be the same. So, trim each side separately.

TIP: Trace your new toeboard on a piece of cardboard. Cut it out and then make the cardboard template fit your car. Trace it back onto your steel toeboard and trim to fit. Screw the toeboards in place and install the tranny extension. Use the set-up screws to pull the tranny extension in place. This is like the last piece of a puzzle. Once it is screwed in, everything should be tight and ready to weld.

***Click here to go to floorboard installation pictures to see how it should look before you weld.

Q. What if I cut/trim too much?
A. If you mess up, don't worry! It's just metal! You can always weld the piece back on and try again. Or, give us a call and see if we can help. If it is a small piece like a toeboard or tranny extension, we will send a new one to you at no charge (however, you pay for the shipping).

Q. What's the average turn-around time?
A. On stock items, it is usually 2-3 days. It's a good idea to order at least two weeks (14 days) before you want to see them. Call us at 619.588.2925 to see the turn-around time for the part you are ordering.

Q. What is your return policy?
A. Direct Sheetmetal will accept your return as long as it is within 30 days of the shipping date. No returns after 30 days of shipping date. There will be a 20% re-stocking charge due to the high cost of shipping material and the cost to inspect, clean and re-box the kit or kits being returned. If you bought your kit through one of our dealers, you MUST return the part(s) to that dealer, NOT Direct Sheetmetal. You, the customer, must pay the return freight for the parts. No COD's on returned parts will be accepted by Direct Sheetmetal. You must have the original invoice. If it was purchased with a credit card, we will credit the credit card back less the shipping cost and the re-stocking fee. If you paid by money order, we will send you a check within 14 days after we receive the parts. You must call and give us the reason why you are returning the part and get a return name on the box. The parts must be packed in the original box it was shipped in. If you have any questions concerning returns, please call 619-588-2925.