65 396 TI Firewall: Hole, No Hole Or Dimple?

[Mark P.]

Does a 65 with a 396/TI firewall have a hole, no hole or a dimple for hole guidance placement in the firewall where the ballast resistor would have been placed? I looked through the archives, but couldn't find any details.

I have heard that there was not a hole, but that there was possibly a dimple or depression in the firewall for possible hole placement. I have seen some that have an actual "raised area or a partial hole (not drilled all the way through) with a little rim around it." Which is correct?

The three holes or potential holes in that close proximity would have been for the rubber retainer for the firewall insulation, the ballast resistor, and the firewall clip for the backup light wiring. Right or wrong?

Thanks,
Mark

[Rich P.]

Re: 65 396 TI Firewall: Hole, No Hole Or Dimple?

Mark,

I have seen it both ways. First hole punched all the way throug with NO thread marks. And second recessed hole not all the way through. I think nost judges look for the second. I have a 65 L-79 in the shop right now with T-I and it has the second. I also have a 67 435 here now also but it has the first.

Hope this helps,
Rich

[Wayne M.]

Re: 65 396 TI Firewall: Hole, No Hole Or Dimple?

Does a 65 with a 396/TI firewall have a hole, no hole or a dimple for hole guidance placement in the firewall where the ballast resistor would have been placed? I looked through the archives, but couldn't find any details.

I have heard that there was not a hole, but that there was possibly a dimple or depression in the firewall for possible hole placement. I have seen some that have an actual "raised area or a partial hole (not drilled all the way through) with a little rim around it." Which is correct?

The three holes or potential holes in that close proximity would have been for the rubber retainer for the firewall insulation, the ballast resistor, and the firewall clip for the backup light wiring. Right or wrong?

Thanks,
Mark

Mark -- many posts on this subject last November; here's a few links to save the search; many pics.

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?p=377695&uid=7493

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?t=65133&uid=5024

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?t=64848&uid=4905

Not sure of the overall conclusions, but was probably a small hole on all firewalls to begin with; those with ballast resistors had the self-taping screw installed (hole small enough to provide "meat" for the screw threads).

K66 cars: this hole was filled (which means it probably was drilled completely through) to prevent engine comp't smell and splash from entering passenger comp't. This plugging was done with a dab of "dum-dum" or similar. This is not how this area is described in the '65 TIM&JG, though.

You're correct about the other proximate holes, but the clip for the b-up harness was probably (primarily) for the +ve battery cable, on C60 and L78 cars. Anyway, look at the photos and see what you think.