How to restore under the dash 65 convertible with A/C

[John P.]

My 1965 convertible with factory A/C has had carpet replaced, but has original dash, cluster, A/C radio etc. I have worked on some of the wiring, but the concern is the cabin side of the firewall.

What is the best way to restore, and hopefully improve, the insulation, insulation covering, etc, and minimize the heat coming into the cabin from the engine compartment? Do the Kool Mat kits include those areas? All suggestions appreciated

Apologies photo will only post upside down!! We are looking at driver side, A/C vent , driver side vent, steering column, clutch pedal

[Tom E.]

Re: How to restore under the dash 65 convertible with A/C

John,
Replacing the firewall insulation would involve a significant amount of work to install as nearly everything would need to come out to install correctly. One item that would be fairly easy would be to rebuild the fresh air vent doors. Yours look original and if so the rubber seals have perished and allow hot air to be drawn in around them. The rebuild kits are available at all the vendors and are fairly inexpensive.
Tom

[Mark E.]

Re: How to restore under the dash 65 convertible with A/C

Agree with Tom- it's a big job that risks damage to all the components that need to be R&R'd. If other work is needed (wiring harness, gauges, controls, radio, etc.) then it may make sense.

You can do a few targeted things that can reduce heat.
First determine if there's radiant or convected (hot air) heat, or both.

Reduce hot air by plugging all the small openings- missing plugs, cracked grommets, torn boots.

I reduced radiant heat a lot with Dynamat products under the carpet and console.

Bypassing the heater core or making sure its shut off valve is working (if your car has one) also reduces a lot heat.

[John P.]

Re: How to restore under the dash 65 convertible with A/C

Yep I have been plugging small holes etc Like a sieve under there

[Tom E.]

Re: How to restore under the dash 65 convertible with A/C

John,
Here are a photo of the vent doors before and after to give you an idea how they seal
Tom
BBD024DF-4C46-49BD-9D27-972E5BCD7BA9.jpg

[Mark E.]

Re: How to restore under the dash 65 convertible with A/C

Looking at the photo, for aesthetics can the original bulkhead insulation that shows above the carpet be cut out and replaced with a section of new insulation without too much fuss? (I know this is heresy for some on this site.)

[Tom E.]

Re: How to restore under the dash 65 convertible with A/C

Mark,
sure, that can be done but he would have to slit the hole where the steering column goes through or remove the column. Once your in that deep you might as well do it right. I suspect it would also be a challenge to push all the rubber plugs through with everything in. In did mine with body off car and dash bare and they were a PITA. Just my 2 c. I guess it really comes down to ones level of skill and perseverance.
Tom