Heater cover use five mastic washers?

[Mike S]

Hi Guys,

  I'd like your opinion on this one. Looking at the attached AIM page, my question targets the seal shown in the lower diagram as item #7 which is a mastic type of washer. Are these on all 5 speed nuts and this single view is an example for all, or do you think it pertains only to this one screw stud with the attached clip. I ask this because I have seen some kits on eBay and notice they include 5 mastic type of washers. These look to be in addition to the main cover channel adhesive.

Thank you,
Mike

[Camarocards]

Mike,

Not pretty, but this is what I found after 47 years! If you look close enough you can see that the mastic type washer is used on all five studs.

Bob

[Mike S]

Excellent, Bob. Pictures are worth a thousand words :-)
Is that a rodent nest in your heater box too? I even found a nest inside each rocker panel.
What resourceful creatures.

Thank you!
Mike

[Camarocards]

Mike,

No rodents...thank god...just many, many years of leaves and dirt. Found a similar scenario behind the kick panels. I suspect having the car in a garage the last 37 years may have kept those little critters out.   

Bob

[firstgenaddict]

I've wondered about this...
wondered if the washer was used to retain the heater box (inside box) in order to install the outside box... ? ?

[HawkX66]

I've wondered about this...
wondered if the washer was used to retain the heater box (inside box) in order to install the outside box... ? ?

That would make sense, otherwise it's pretty tough for one guy to install.

[Mike S]

  The ones I bought from AMK with the correct GM numbers are sort of soft washers with no metal insert and will compress when the speed nut is tightened. I don't think there is enough rigidness to hold the box in place especially when trying to align the outer cover with the heater box studs. I'll be installing my heater box assembly soon so we'll find out.

Mike