Size of hole for steering column in 1956 -57 firewall

[G B.]

I'm ready to seal up the hole around the steering column where it penetrates the firewall in my '56. However, it looks like it's been enlarged in the past. Can someone please confirm the attached photos show a stock hole. The metal plate is just barely large enough to cover it.

Thanks,

Jerry

MVC-001S.JPG

MVC-002S.JPG

MVC-003S.JPG

MVC-004S.JPG

[Mike M.]

Re: Size of hole for steering column in 1956 -57 firewall

bubba enlarged it medialy. if u can procure a larger piece of foam then cover it with the metal plate. or downsize the hole with cloth/resin. thanks again for all you have done for the hobby. mike mccagh

[G B.]

Re: Size of hole for steering column in 1956 -57 firewall

Thank you, Mike.

Should a stock hole be small enough so that the rubber piece (in last photo) can cover it?

Jerry

[Mike M.]

Re: Size of hole for steering column in 1956 -57 firewall

yes, but just barely. mike

[G B.]

Re: Size of hole for steering column in 1956 -57 firewall

Can someone please post a photo of their '56 firewall showing the assembly line size of this hole?

[Mike M.]

Re: Size of hole for steering column in 1956 -57 firewall

jerry: had u requested a photo 5 weeks ago, I could have sent u a photo. however, I've since covered the opening with the foam and metal plate. as I recall, thee was about 1/2" gap between firewall and the mast jacket. mike

[Mike M.]

Re: Size of hole for steering column in 1956 -57 firewall

just got rich's photos of his 56's firewall hole for steering col. and yes, my experience with smaller holes is specific to 1957's, an early vin 1093 and a late vin 5655. i had a 56 i restored but dont recall what the hole size was on it. as i recall, its vin was 1556 or there abouts(its in rick hendrick's collection or i could look at it). it appears a larger piece of foam is needed with the early 56's and perhaps all 56's. ya learn something new every day. thanks rich. mike mccagh

[Richard M.]

Re: Size of hole for steering column in 1956 -57 firewall

Here is the Super Sport, 1956 vin #1589 (589th) after the accident, during tear down. Big column opening.
57SS_Before0050.jpg

Edit.... What's interesting, is that the inner circular rubber seal really has no firewall on these 56's in question to sandwich itself to, fastened to the outer plate with the 1/4x20 Phillips bolts.
Here's a inside 1957 (4441) original seal.
57sn4441_16.jpg

I'm thinking maybe these early 56's with the big hole were possibly to accommodate a easier steering column pull?

Rich

[G B.]

Re: Size of hole for steering column in 1956 -57 firewall

I really appreciate everyone's help on this.

I'm going to leave the plus-sized hole as-is and move on to solving other problems now.

Thanks,

Jerry