65GS.com - Buick Gran Sport Enthusiasts!
General Discussion => Q & A => Topic started by: gs spoken here on January 23, 2016, 02:29:48 PM
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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.
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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
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Most of the vendors sell the one made by R.E.M. Automotive.
http://www.remautoinc.com/links.php (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.
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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
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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/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 (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?
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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.
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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
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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
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The parts place has a tool #HB5389Z I think it is $14.00?
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.