Assembly manual inconsistencies - could use some advice

[Blitzboy54]

As I am pushing through the manual I have found an odd quirk that I am trying to understand. I am probably (definitely?) over thinking it. Early in the manual when running the brake lines it clearly says to place this piece of aluminum before routing the lines over it.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=222214&d=1764454322

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=222217&d=1764455655



But it doesn't say to install it permanently. Since there is a lot of vague instructions in the truck build manual I tend to assume they mean to drill, rivet and seal it. But then I found this much further down the build in chapter 3.



https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=222216&d=1764455655

Why place it if your not going to install it? If I route the lines around it will they not be in the way when I try to drill it later? If I don't drill it will I end up having to remove the brake lines later? Again I am probably over thinking this but I am trying to avoid the "I really wish I hadn't done that" mistake. If one of you guys that has done this before can clarify I would appreciate it.

[mkassab]

For what it's worth, I ran my brake lines outside the vehicle.

Mark

[Blitzboy54]

Thanks Mark, I poked through your thread a few times. You and Paul both ran external brake setups. If it were my truck I may consider the same but the fella I’m building this for wants the firewall as clean as possible. To make it a bit more complicated the extended cab changed the design slightly so there isn’t as many examples. I will figure something out

[narly1]

The same situation exists with the hot rod.

For me the solution was to cut away part of that side panel up near the top. I then bent a bit of a "dog-leg" into the lines so they could then route to the frame on the outside of said panel. Being that the pass-through is up high I believe the intrusion of the outside environment into the passenger compartment will be minimal, especially after sealing the opening up with caulking.

Earl

[Blitzboy54]

The same situation exists with the hot rod.

For me the solution was to cut away part of that side panel up near the top. I then bent a bit of a "dog-leg" into the lines so they could then route to the frame on the outside of said panel. Being that the pass-through is up high I believe the intrusion of the outside environment into the passenger compartment will be minimal, especially after sealing the opening up with caulking.

Earl

Awesome, I am staring at it right now. Thank you for confirming! This makes the most sense for sure.

[Guardm16]

I think the idea was to place the panel in before you run the brake lines. My thoughts was to prevent me from running the line through the area that the panel would cover. (without saying I am a dumba$$) this let me know what opening I could tuck the brake line through. Side note, I swapped to a power brake setup so it was unnecessary. I installed that panel after I had the cab on.