C1 59: Firewall replacement

[Rob M.]

Hi,

Any hints and tips if I want to replace the existing firewall which is currently in very bad condition ?

Any suggestion on the procedure to follow to do this job ?

PS The heaterbox is in this picture still in it unrestored condition but currently completely restored.

thanks for your help,
Rob Musquetier
The Netherlands
J59S109573.




The C1 1959 Corvette Restoration Project

[Mike M.]

Re: C1 59: Firewall replacement

Rob do you want to replace the firewall insuillation(cardboard and jute) or the fiberglass panel of the firewall itself? mike

[Rob M.]

Re: C1 59: Firewall replacement

Just the firewall insuillation (cardboard)...

[Mike M.]

Re: C1 59: Firewall replacement

replacing the cardboard/jute isn't a difficult task, its just time consuming as near everything that traverses the firewall within the boundaries of the insulation has to be removed . once you do all the removal, then you can remove the old insulation and install the new. the rubber mushrooms used to fasten the insulation to the backside of the firtewall ought to be litely greased prior to pushing them into their new home. as someone posted previously, take an old screw driver, bluntly point its tip on a grinder and then weld a flat washer to the shaft of the modified driver such that you bottom out on the washer before the blunt end of the modified screwdriver bottoms out in the mushroom(which can be penetrated with the blunt screw driver without a washer.) mike

[Rob M.]

Re: C1 59: Firewall replacement

Mike,

I can't figure out the screwdriver bit (due to my poor translation to Dutch). I'm loosing it after the blunding procedure. What is 'bottom out on the washer before the blunt end of the screwdriver bottoms out in the mushroom'. Maybe a drawing or picture might help... ;-)

greetings,
Rob.

[Christopher R.]

Re: C1 59: Firewall replacement

You need something pointy that'll go into the shafts of the grommets and push the shaft through the firewall. But not so pointy that they'll pierce the grommet. That's why the suggestion for blunting the end of a junk screwdriver.

Also helps to lubricate the grommet first. Having somebody on the engine compartment side pulling them through will help. Swearing helps too.

[Jerry J.]

Re: C1 59: Firewall replacement

Rob.. I used just a LARGE phillips head screwdriver.. It was an old one that I had no other use for.. I lightly greased the SMALL end of the rubber, had a helper on the outside of the firewall with a pair of pliers. As I pushed from the inside, with screwdriver inside rubber, he/she grabbed other end and pulled kind of gently..
Hope this helps... Jerry

[Dennis A.]

Re: C1 59: Firewall replacement

Rob...

When you order, be prepared to specify; carb. or F.I., With or without heater / washers...keep your old ones to compare, for the right side section can get mixed up.

[Mike M.]

Re: C1 59: Firewall replacement

dennis: do you know if the currently available repo firewall insulation has the circled M stamped in the corners? one i got about 12 years ago didn't. had to stamp it myself. by the way, this would not be considered a restamp. mike

[Dennis A.]

Re: C1 59: Firewall replacement

Mike...

I have not seen or heard of any repro insulation with the circled M. Glad to hear that stamping them is not considered a restamp.

[Calvin M.]

Re: Firewall Insulation

Hi Dennis -
FWIW, the repo insulation I got for my '57 has the M logo, but this was purchased years ago. It either came from CC or Zip.
Cal

[Dennis A.]

Re: T.U. Cal *NM*