Firewall Pad of Choice???

[Tinkerr]

I need to purchase a new Firewall Pad. I did a search, most relevant thread was 2012, links don't work 6 years later and I'm hoping for some improvements. Anybody have suggestions for replacement pad. I've seen listings for molded pads $175 and other pads for $50 I'm looking for the best fit and finish. Thanks

[169INDY]

Molded all the way. I just removed a cheap flat pad & got the $175 model you looked at and it is WAY better than that flat junk, I gave it a short thought on searching for a parting out car to source a original but that is difficult and kinda like shopping for a used diaper after all these years the pads just do not survive the test of time,,,If I remember I contacted mfr & they did not sell direct, So I made sure I used a vendor selling the best molded unit and confirmed that is what was being purchased then low & behold, they drop shipped it from the Mfr. I can dig out the info when I get home.


JIM

[68camaroz28]

Here you go and they have a sale on for Xmas but not sure if this is covered in the sale but worth the check.
http://www.heartbeatcitycamaro.com/store/product/23875/1967-1968-1969-Camaro-%26-Firebird-Molded-Firewall-Pad-OE-Style-Without-AC/
I had a NOS one to put in our 68 which was purchased in 1979. And yes, even with the repro molded ones there is a huge difference but its the best available.

[69Z28-RS]

Molded all the way. I just removed a cheap flat pad & got the $175 model you looked at and it is WAY better than that flat junk, I gave it a short thought on searching for a parting out car to source a original but that is difficult and kinda like shopping for a used diaper after all these years the pads just do not survive the test of time,,,If I remember I contacted mfr & they did not sell direct, So I made sure I used a vendor selling the best molded unit and confirmed that is what was being purchased then low & behold, they drop shipped it from the Mfr. I can dig out the info when I get home.
JIM

..."source a original but that is difficult and kinda like shopping for a used diaper after all these years'...   

cracking up here over this description, although it's not far off... 

[janobyte]

To add, mist some cheap rubberized undercoating to mock texture. Think it was a Chick recommendation. I thought a real pita to install. Maybe just bad luck. Had to walk away a few times from it. Came out pretty nice though.

[Mike S]

 That was in the past thread: http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=9630.msg70063#msg70063

I have the pad installed and it looks great and close to original. It is not molded but there is so little exposed that I didn't mind, and it conformed to the firewall nicely.


Mike

[janobyte]

And if you can, try to salvage your rubber plugs. The ones I could reuse popped right in,,not so lucky with the ones I purchased, and not a great match vs. The originals.Even with the tool, kept poking through. Referenced alot here for advice. Like I said, maybe just bad luck.

[janobyte]

Ah, you were the one!

[Hans L]

That was in the past thread: http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=9630.msg70063#msg70063

I have the pad installed and it looks great and close to original. It is not molded but there is so little exposed that I didn't mind, and it conformed to the firewall nicely.


Mike

I followed the process outlined in the link and was quite pleased with the results.  I originally purchased a molded mat, but didn't like the silver thermal material used (maybe they've updated the design and it's no longer there).   I didn't really have much of an issue installing the cheaper flat Tarmac mat and the rubberized spray thereafter gave it a nice OE look.  The pad insulation is also closer to OE in appearance I thought than the molded pad....my 2 cents. 

[68camaroz28]

That was in the past thread: http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=9630.msg70063#msg70063

I have the pad installed and it looks great and close to original. It is not molded but there is so little exposed that I didn't mind, and it conformed to the firewall nicely.


Mike

Yes it was Mike and also in that thread was "That may be similar to what Chick used to repair/restore his original pad." LOL as that was a chore trying to repair ours (should have never stored in the attic) where the rubber type material cracked where it was thin in areas. But that was a great idea to take a repro molded pad and try to duplicate the texture. Here are some pics of the NOS one I had that might help others to duplicate.

[169INDY]

silver thermal material used (maybe they've updated the design and it's no longer there).

Yup it is still there, I trimmed it back (appx 1/16 to 1/8") with tiny seamstress scissors [where you might be able to see it when installed] and really like the "SKINNING" that was suggested in the early (Referenced) post

Thanks for the ideas guys, Great sharing of methods,

JIM

[Tinkerr]

I'll order the molded pad. The rubber plugs didn't survive the removal this time, so I'll be looking for some replacements, preferably some good used ones. Thanks for all the responses I really appreciate them.

[169INDY]

I am sure others here have additional TIPS.
I chose Isopropyl Alcohol as a evaporative lubricant and machined a brass "driver" to Set the fasteners w/o tearing them apart. It contacts the tip and flange of the fastener boot at the same time and prevents the tearing from a blunt driver.

The flat Pad I used to have used a stiff plastic fasteners that was hard & ridged and did not replicate the originals to my satisfaction so I sourced the ones show based on recommendations from  of others here.

I hope y0ou find this helpful,

Jim

[69Z28-RS]

That's a perfect insertion tool, Jim...   One could probably make such an insertion tool if one couldn't be purchased.  Even a wooden one would work.   Removing the plugs without damage could also be accomplished with a 'sleeve' type tool from the outside of the firewall (to push in the expanding part of the plug)...

[manyc]

I bought a repo pad the was custom made by Bob Harris at Camaro Specialties.  Looks like he rubber coated one of the better aftermarket ones. Overall I think he did a great job. He does AC and Non-AC versions.


http://camaros.com/