Can I cut the metal brace that goes from the top of the dash to the bottom(radio brace attachs to this brace) and bend it out of the way and then use a self tapping screw to reattach without any unforeseen consequences? I really dont want to take the air box out...
When my duct melted from a dash fire, my grandfather and I broke the brace off of the junkyard car. Putting it in, I didn't want to do the same to my car. We used a knife and clippers to trim the duct down. Basically, we trimmed it in the base of the "Y" area, where you'll find the interference. We trimmed to the point we could get it in with a little bending of both the duct (very little bending) and the brace. However, we didn't permanently bend the brace - just pushed it enough to snap the duct in. We used duct-tape to seal the area we trimmed - the trimming opened into the duct a bit. (This is one of two times I've ever used duct-tape on a duct.) It works fine, but if you are trying for original restoration, I wouldn't suggested it. However, you are considering a more permanent alteration (cutting the brace) - so maybe my idea is more reversable if in the future you feel like removing the box.
The air box is secured only with sheetmetal srcews. Not really a big deal to take it out. I think the upper duct sits inside the top of the airbox. Stripped my own car last year while painting the steel dash & glove box cover. Don't recall any real issues.
Sheet metal screws? The car(70455GS) is about an hour away or I would look again, I thought the whole box has to be removed, which is a major pain in the bohuncus!
No problem Cut the spot weld(top of brace) with a handheld cutting tool(wear safety glassses) and a cold chisel, bent the brace slightly, swapped the duct work, installed 1/4X1" bolt(hole is already there from factory) straightened up brace. Took about thirty minutes...
