floorboard re-assembly, missing parts?

[wildcat65]

Hello,
I put my clutch and brake pedal rods in, and I am thinking there is something missing at the base of the steering wheel to cover the opening around it and the clutch linkage.  What is the sequence of assemble and parts here?
It was removed by my body shop.  May be one of the reasons I am a little frustrated with him.
good news, my clutch feels like it is operating smooth.  This car was without engine, trans, driveshaft when I got it, is all coming together now.    

[Mark Ascher]

Ted,

Need some pics?

Mark

[WkillGS]

There's a sheetmetal plate that covers the opening in the firewall. In the plate are cutouts for the steering column and the clutch rod. A plate for an auto car can be modified by cutting out the opening for the clutch rod.
In addition, there's the clutch rod boot and retainer plate, one style is avail as a repo. The other style may be harder to find.
There's also a rubber sleeve that fits on the steering column as a seal against that plate. I found a replacement at the hardware store in the plumbing section.... A piece cut from a rubber pipe connector was the correct size.
I might have pics on file as well...

[dsags]

The sheet metal plate with rubber sleeve needs to be on the steering column before it goes into the car. Then the clutch rod boot  and retainer plate need to be on the clutch rod before it goes in. Screws with wide washers hold the plate in position. After carpet is installed there is a plastic plate at the base of the steering column that covers this up and holds down the carpet.

Changed the picture.

Dan

[nut465gs]

Ted,

Here's a photo of that firewall/steering column sheet metal plate thingy.

John

[wildcat65]

Well, that does not look like any of the orphan parts around here!
Anybody have a parts car with one?

[nut465gs]

Ted,

I wonder if this part is the same as used on Pontiacs, Oldsmobiles or Chevys? If not, I would almost think that if you had one for an automatic, you could cut out the hole for the clutch rod. Brian?

John

[Loren At 65GS]

Ted,
  I may have one around here. I'll need to look through my parts.

Loren

[wildcat65]

OK, I looked again and it is in there!    Is the clutch boot on the inside or in the engine compartment?  I think I can get the other visuals from my Sedan.
Thanks,
Ted

[WkillGS]

Clutch rod boot is on the engine compartment side.

[wildcat65]

The sheet metal plate with rubber sleeve needs to be on the steering column before it goes into the car. Then the clutch rod boot  and retainer plate need to be on the clutch rod before it goes in. Screws with wide washers hold the plate in position. After carpet is installed there is a plastic plate at the base of the steering column that covers this up and holds down the carpet.

Changed the picture.

Dan

Thanks Dan!   What holds the plastic plate?  Thanks,
Ted

[dsags]

The plate is held in place by those same rubber plug thingys that hold the firewall insulation in place. Most places that sell the reproduction firewall insulation provide plastic firewall clips that can be used for the same purpose. See picture. They are easier to put in.

Dan

[WkillGS]

....rubber plug thingys ....
....plastic firewall clips ...... easier to put in.
Dan

Did the 65's use the rubber ones or the plastic ones?  My 66's used the plastic ones.
Neither are 'easy' to put in!
...I did make a tool to make them go in easier without collapsing. It's a 1/4" threaded rod with the tip rounded off to fit into the tip of the retainer, and a nut and washer on the rod back far enough to seat against the head of the retainer.
This pushes the retainer into the hole while supporting both the tip and the head.

Do we want to discuss the different clutch rod retainer boots??

[dsags]

Walt,

Pretty sure my red 65 has the rubber ones. The original plate is in place and broken. Its not at the house however.

Clutch rod retainers and boots could take up a whole new topic. Looked for the original style but could not find anyone reproducing them.

Dan

[wildcat65]

good thing I have the original dry rotted clutch boot, we don't have to talk about that here!