Looking for a method to install the firewall insulation "plugs", or fasteners. I got one in, but also ruined one. Don't have any more extras and can't find a tool that fits good enough to not poke through the end with the pressure required to squeeze the pointed end through.
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Re: C2 FIREWALL INSULATION FASTENERS
I had a similar problem. So I made the job a little easier by taking a conical grinding stone in my drill and enlarged the hole very slightly. This also puts a champher on the hole from the inside so that helps. As a final step I put a small amount of greese on the hole champher to help things out. You've got to be careful not to go too big and ruin the hole. -
Re: C2 FIREWALL INSULATION FASTENERS
Rob there was an article in the "Restorer" in the past few years on a method a member devised wrote an aritcle which was published in the Restorer to install the rubber plugs.Comment
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Re: C2 FIREWALL INSULATION FASTENERS
The plant used a tool made from a round-shank phillips screwdriver with the end ground to a rounded shape and a flat washer welded on it about 1/4" further from the end than the length of the rubber plug from the bottom of the hole to the flange end of the plug. This slightly stretched the plug (which was heated in a tray with a heat lamp over it and was dipped in a soap solution prior to installation) and the washer prevented tearing it, and a helper grabbed the end of the plug from the engine side with duckbill pliers as the installer pushed the plug through the mat and dash panel from the inside. The heat, soap and the helper were the key.Comment
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Volume 29, #2, Fall 2002 *NM* *TL*
TerryComment
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To answer your question...
Use a 1/8 inch diameter rod gripped in vise grips with a fender washer on the rod. Adjust the vise grips so that the exposed length of rod sticks out 1/4 inch when the retainer is pushed on. Lubricate the rubber with dish soap.Comment
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Re: C2 FIREWALL INSULATION FASTENERS
Got an installation tool from Long Island ($5), works great.......Comment
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Re: C2 FIREWALL INSULATION FASTENERS
Rob,
I have been looking since I read your post and can't find the information that I had when I installed mine. It was simply a loop of string wrapped around the fastener and passed through the hole to the engine compartment. The string is then pulled through the firewall with fastener attached and your done. This worked great. Maybe someone else has seen this and remembers where it is. Could be one of the suppliers web sites. Hope this helps.
George
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Re: C2 FIREWALL INSULATION FASTENERS
Well, 6 extra fasteners later....I'm finally done. Even with Long Island's tool they are easily ruined. I finally enlarged the holes and made it easier to finish the job. I would have tried your "string" method next. My advice is to buy several extra fasteners before you start.Comment
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Re: C2 FIREWALL INSULATION FASTENERS *TL*
I hope it is not a suppliers web site George. If you find it there, let me know and we will take the appropriate action.
See The Corvette Restorer Volume 29, Number 2, Fall 2002, page 10.
TerryComment
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