C2 firewall plastic plug question

[Robert P.]

Was the 1 inch plastic plug located right above the clutch rod boot installed before or after the firewall received the black paint
this is on a 66 if it makes a difference
thanks Bob Peckham

[Mark F.]

Per John Hinckley's C2 Assembly Process Presentation (available in the Database of Restoration Documents [DoRD] Sticky Post), here's what he says about midway thru the St. Louis Hard Trim Line:

"Sub-assemble pedal support assembly for manual or Powerglide and manual or power brake configuration and install, with clutch pushrod and boot"

This station was well beyond the last station in the St. Louis paint shop.
...Can’t comment on what happened w/ Dow-Smith bodies and Ionia Mich paint shop.