[sm=confused.gif] Not using enough glue or glass would mean they were not installed correctly. Not sure how you are looking at this. To me, correctly installing a Q-500 firewall would include a good fit with epoxy on all mating surfaces. Pin the firewall on all sides. Triangle stock on all sides. Glass the inside and outside. So, installed correctly would include parts, labor and material. Any one of these could cause an incorrect install.

As far as that other chunk of ply on the front, I can't see from the pictures how it is helping. If your firewall was not put in right at the factory you have no choice but to remove it and do all the things listed above.

I have been reading these stories about Q-500 ARF quality for a long time and it is hard to believe people still buy them AND recommend them.