Firewall Insulation Plugs

[Bill C.]

Anyone have a sure fire method to install new plugs in the interior firewall after renewing the insulation felt and paper??? I purchased a tool from Long Island just for this operation but the plugs seem too firm to compress. Tried some grease on them also and still unable to accomplish this task.
Thanks up front for all suggestions and responces. Bill #20328

[Rob A.]

Re: Firewall Insulation Plugs

I installed these about a month ago. I tried long Island's tool also, in addition to trying to make my own. I pretty much tried everything, except the method I heard was in one of the articles in our magazine that involves using a string to pull them through. If I remember right, you tie the string around the point and have someone pull it from the engine side, while you push from inside. I can see how this could work, wish I knew about it before I did mine. Anyway, I finally enlarged the holes a bit and they went through fine with Long Island's tool and pure silicone spray. Maybe you can find the article I am referring to, by the time I heard about it I was done. I must have ruined about 4 or 5 trying various methods. If you haven't ordered new ones yet, get some extras. The tool will go through the pointed end of the fastener if you push too hard. (If you removed the fuse panel on the inside of the firewall, don't forget to route the wires to the high beam floor switch behind the insulation)

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: Firewall Insulation Plugs

If you receive the CORVETTE RESTORER look at the fall 2002 issue, volume 29 number 2. There is a great article on how to install the plugs.

Harry

38513

[Craig S.]

Re: Firewall Insulation Plugs

I believe John Hinckley recently had an explanation of the tool the factory used, it seems like it was a phillips screwdriver with the tip ground off and rounded that also had a washer stop welded on to allow a minor amount of stretch of the plug to narrow the diameter upon installation. I think he also said the plugs were warmed and lubed with soap to ease installation.....Craig

[Christopher R.]

Re: Firewall Insulation Plugs

And it helps to have someone on the engine side grab the protruding tip with something and pull while you push from the passenger compartment side. Also don't forget to lube them with soap or silicone or grease.

[Pierre J.]

Firewall plug

Soak the end in dish soap. Worked well for me.

Pierre G. Joly

[William Holder]

Re: Firewall plug

While were on the subject does anyone know of a good supplier for the insulation for a 68?
Thanks
Bill

[George C.]

Re: Firewall plug

Bill,
The article in the Fall 2002 Restorer is the perfect solution. I found it after I ruined the first fastener trying to use a home made tool.

George

#36809