Bulkhead Weakness Solution

[xvivalve]

As most will know there is an inherent weakness where the accelerator pedal fixes to the bulkhead due to the proximity of holes for the cable, the pedal mounting bolts and the main wiring loom. Flexibility here, and ultimately fatigue of the bulkhead panel can seriously affect performance as the allowable movement of the pedal mount can prevent full throttle opening from occurring.

Automatic cars however have an additional mounting plate on the engine side of the bulkhead that significantly strengthens this area, the plate and back of the pedal effectively sandwiching the bulkhead, which together with a third bolted connection provides greater rigidity.

Currently dismantling an auto car I examined this plate today and consider it to be an easy production item for our panel man. Would there be much interest in retro fitting this to manual cars if I commissioned some?

Don't ask me about likely cost as I'd need to speak to him first, but they aren't going to be expensive...

[DavePoth]

It'd look better than the manky plate I've got in there at the moment - a useful one to have on the books I reckon, especially if the price is right.

[soe8m]

All LHD cars have some reinforcement panel/box welded on the bulkhead near the pedals. Never had any issues with any LHD dolomite.

Jeroen

[xvivalve]

That'll be because on LHD cars the accelerator mount isn't right next to the large hole where the wiring loom passes through the bulkhead

[red&black]

Yes please.
Didn't realise mine was cracked until I took the car to be dyno tuned recently.
The checks and prep work before the actual session on the rollers were very thorough.

[1500hl_man]

I'd be interested in one, anything to help inherent faults seems worth doing.

[SprintMWU773V]

So is this welded or bolted on? My donor bulkhead is split in just this area.

[xvivalve]

It uses the two existing bolts that hold the accelerator pedal on along with a third 7/16 AF nut and bolt. I've yet to check if manual bodyshells have the extra hole already in place.

[Mad Mart]

I don't think they do.

[DoloWIGHTY]

Could someone post a picture of a split bulkhead please - I don't know where to look on mine .

[Carledo]

I'll have one too! The Carledo bulkhead is not split but there is considerable flex at big throttle openings so a bit of extra strength would be welcome!

Steve

[SprintMWU773V]

You can see my tatty bulkhead here viewtopic.php?f=19&t=17826&start=60 it's worst where the throttle cable passes through at the top of the pedal.

[DoloWIGHTY]

this picture?

[sprint95m]

That is the picture.

They tend to fracture about the throttle pedal mounting holes.
The hole to the right is not actually anything to do with this.

On my Dolomite I removed the throttle pedal and welded an extension to the RHS to allow a third mounting bolt to be used,
which is a "six and two threes" alternative to Alun's excellent suggestion.

[DoloWIGHTY]

Cheers Ian - I will check my one now I know where to look.

Another question (sorry)...does the bulkhead pad cover the other side - does this have to be lifted to weld/apply plate?