1968 trans tunnel insulation, foam collar and frame paint

[Scott R.]

I have a new tunnel insulation part and foam collar. I cannot find any pictures in the TIM showing the installation location of either part. also I need to purchase correct frame paint, where can I get it ? thank you, Scott

[Mark E.]

Re: 1968 trans tunnel insulation, foam collar anfd frame paint

The cutout for the shifter on the tunnel insulation effectively locates it for you. Make sure the mounting tangs are covered.

The arc of the foam collar also helps locate where to place it on the bellhousing. Its precise location isn't critical for function and it's not visible when installed.

Update: After checking, I can see I installed a new foam collar on my '70 BB about 4" behind the front flange of the bellhousing, just behind where it quickly reduces in diameter. It fits nicely there and seals with the floor. The original was missing so I don't know where it was placed. But I don't believe it mounted any more forward than this due to the bellhousing shape and configuration of the floor.

[David M.]

Re: 1968 trans tunnel insulation, foam collar anfd frame paint

Good luck with the tunnel insulation IF you have a stick car.
The welded in non-removable trans cross member makes this job a royal PITA and impossible to install without some bending/deformation of your new part...WITH the body on.
The shifter and trans need to be out of the way.

If you have the body off it should be very easy.

Make sure you line up the triangular metal retaining tabs. You might have something left of the old one to use as a ballpark template.
Some non purists will use a little glue too.
If tabs are missing replace them. Chances are you wont be able to replicate the pop rivet that holds the tabs to the fiberglass. I'm sure there is someone out there that has figured it out. I used high quality SS 302 or 304 bolt, nut, washer assemblies.

Do yourself a favor and replace the positive battery cable at this time...in fact do both. 55 year old cables are likely ready to be refreshed. You can reuse the wire harness cushion clamp/straps if yours are good. If not they are available repro.

Report back to close this thread loop.

[Terry M.]

Re: 1968 trans tunnel insulation, foam collar anfd frame paint

My observations are that the foam collar is glued to the bell housing or to the transmission for an automatic. If your old collar is deteriorated there should be some marks of the original for you to follow, or at least the remnants of the glue.

To install the insulation I suggest removing the transmission if the body is not off the frame. As others have said, if manual use the shifter opening to locate the insulation. If automatic you will have to do more guesswork. Repairing the insulation clips and replacing the positive battery cable is a wise suggestion, as is replacing the negative cable,

[Mark E.]

Re: 1968 trans tunnel insulation, foam collar anfd frame paint

Transmission R&R is an extreme measure. See

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?131703-Transmission-Tunnel-Insulation&highlight=tunnel+insulation

[Ron G.]

Re: 1968 trans tunnel insulation, foam collar anfd frame paint

Scott,

First, in regards to frame paint, asphalt base paint was used from the fifties thru the late sixties, the transition took place calendar year March 1968. After that A.O. Smith used a more durable coating named Dupont 640 black primer. There were most likely that some frames in early 1969 production were painted with the asphalt paint. Both of these coatings are no longer available. I do however have enough asphalt paint to do maybe one frame, but unfortunately I am not ready to part with it at this time. Dupont 640 black primer was basically a cheap enamel base paint that you could replicate. The original tunnel insulation had a tan colored foam wrapped in silver foil. Hope this was helpful.

- Ron

[Scott R.]

Re: 1968 trans tunnel insulation, foam collar anfd frame paint

Thanks for all who replied, more info, Motor and trans is out of car, along with shifter. The original mouting clips are there and in good shape, I have unfastened the positive battery lead to the starter, also in great shape. Does the lead mount first under the insulation ? or after the insulation in insatlled ? again thanks for the info, Scott

[Terry M.]

Re: 1968 trans tunnel insulation, foam collar anfd frame paint

Thanks for all who replied, more info, Motor and trans is out of car, along with shifter. The original mouting clips are there and in good shape, I have unfastened the positive battery lead to the starter, also in great shape. Does the lead mount first under the insulation ? or after the insulation in insatlled ? again thanks for the info, Scott

Scott
Positive battery lead goes in first.

[Scott R.]

Re: 1968 trans tunnel insulation, foam collar anfd frame paint

Hi Terry, thanks for the info, would it be acceptable to put another nut and washer on the clamp stud after the insulation is installed to further hold the insulation to the tunnel ? Scott

[Terry M.]

Re: 1968 trans tunnel insulation, foam collar anfd frame paint

Hi Terry, thanks for the info, would it be acceptable to put another nut and washer on the clamp stud after the insulation is installed to further hold the insulation to the tunnel ? Scott

Zcott

I am not sure what you mean by "clamp stud"

[Mark E.]

Re: 1968 trans tunnel insulation, foam collar anfd frame paint

Hi Terry, thanks for the info, would it be acceptable to put another nut and washer on the clamp stud after the insulation is installed to further hold the insulation to the tunnel ? Scott

If you're referring to the studs for the battery cable retainers, there's no real need to fasten the insulation to them. The holes may just start a tear. Try spray adhesive to the insulation topside if you're concerned about keeping it in place.

[Scott R.]

Re: 1968 trans tunnel insulation, foam collar anfd frame paint

Well guys i have separated the frame from the body so all those intsallations will go alot easier. The frame is surprissingly in great shape, so I plan on chemical stripping it. Anyone suggest a company in Florida ? or Southeast ? I am going over to Seminole Metal Finishing tomorrow and see if they can plate all of the various clips, bolts, washers etc. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thank you. Scott

[James G.]

Re: 1968 trans tunnel insulation, foam collar anfd frame paint

Tractor Supply has asphalt fence coating, I have used it for frames and it looks like the originals that I have seen. It is not very expensive at all. Gallons and 5 gallons. 5 gallons was not even close to $100.
Stand the frame up - front in the air tail toward the ground, ~ this is the only way I have seen the drips on original frames, someone correct me if they have seen them oriented differently.