Inside firewall pad

[gs spoken here]

I need to order one for my 66/7 cars without AC. Looked at Cars Old Buick parts, anyone bought this one? Anyone recommend this one or another vender, thanks Bill.

[dsags]

Have replaced several. None seem to be better than another. Bought my last one at The Parts Place. Worked fine. They will ship via Spee-Dee Delivery if you ask.

Dan

[WkillGS]

Most of the vendors sell the one made by R.E.M. Automotive.
http://www.remautoinc.com/links.php

The Parts Places offers one as well. Don't know if it's the same as R.E.M. or different/better. I had it bookmarked due to someone, somewhere, mentioning it.

The retainer plugs on my '66's were plastic, not rubber like the PP ones.
I did make up a tool to install them without damaging them. It's a piece of 1/4" threaded rod, the end is pointed/rounded to fit into the point of the plug, and there's a nut/washer to support the other end with the head. This will support the plug at both ends do it doesn't collapse during install.

[dsags]

The retainer plugs on my '66's were plastic, not rubber like the PP ones.
I did make up a tool to install them without damaging them. It's a piece of 1/4" threaded rod, the end is pointed/rounded to fit into the point of the plug, and there's a nut/washer to support the other end with the head. This will support the plug at both ends do it doesn't collapse during install.

How about some pictures Walt. Sounds like a great gadget.

Dan

[WkillGS]

Pics will have to wait until after 'snowmageddon' in SE Pa passes! We're somewhere near the 24" mark and it's still coming down.

Here are some tools on eBay. I made one with the threaded rod and washers/nuts.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1955-Up-GM-Cars-Firewall-Pad-Grommet-Installation-Tool-New-/330947375068?fits=Model%3AChevelle&hash=item4d0e002fdc:g:P2kAAOSwZVhWSj2f&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/55-88-GM-Interior-Firewall-Pad-Plastic-Plug-Grommet-Installation-Install-Tool-/181317410683?fits=Model%3AChevelle&hash=item2a375c1f7b:g:pbcAAOxyUrZS8VU-&vxp=mtr

Did the '65's use the rubber retainers or the plastic ones?

[schlepcar]

Mine had those plastic fasteners too. I used a few of the originals I saved but those plastic ones were a pain. If you push them in with a tool it may help to warm them up first.

[dsags]

Had them both in my cars. Need a tool with a blunt end for the plastic ones. If not careful you can go right through the end.

Thanks for the links.

Dan

[Mark Ascher]

65s had the rubber retainers. They are available from Paragon Corvette - part number may be listed in the sticky;
"65 Skylark & GS Parts Sources"

Mark

[nail lark]

The parts place has a tool  #HB5389Z  I think it is $14.00?

[gs spoken here]

Thanks all for the reply's, my 66 has plastic plugs, but the pad has been changed. It is a kinda rubber front with padding. From looking at some suppliers, it looks like two different pads, one $30.00/40.00 and another for much more $150.00. That one was at CARS. They list both. Based on this everyone must be using the less expensive one. Thanks Bill.

[WkillGS]

Ames lists both pads too. They usually give great descriptions of the products and at times offer a part at different quality and price levels.
The $40 R.E.M. pads do have jute backing like the originals. The facing is more of a thick vinyl than it is rubber. IMO, it's good enough for what it's intended use is.

The expensive pad from CARS says it's neoprene. I don't know if that's more correct than the cheaper version?

[gs spoken here]

Walt thanks for the info, I looked at Ames and I see what you mean. I think mine is a $40.00 REM pad. I am going to re-use it in the 66. Bought new plastic pad clips from CAR'S just because I was ordering some other things. I made a too to insert and install the clip, like described here, thanks Bill.

[gs spoken here]

Follow up to installing the fire wall pad. Re used the one I had, someone had replaced it. I used the CARS, plastic I think they are a little long and you better use a heat gun and heat them before driving them in place. I did not use the gun in the first one and was not sure I could drive it in with a BFH. The tool I made worked well, and with the plug installed on the tool it is easy to spin and heat, then install quickly. Thanks Bill.