firewall insulation 1966

[Jerry N.]

I have replaced the firewall insulation and have trouble getting the rubber plugs to go through the firewall. I lubricated the plugs and used the tool from Long Island Corvette but they don't reach through to the engine compartment. Also does the forward edge of the carpet go under the lower edge of the firewall insulation?

[Douglas L.]

Re: firewall insulation 1966

Jerry,

I had the same problem with the firewall plugs on my 67 years ago. What I did was heat the plugs a big to soften them and then put oil on them. I still broke a few before I got them all in. The carpet is under the firewall insulation on a 67 that I just bought. I would guess the 66 would be the same.

[Rob A.]

Re: firewall insulation 1966

Jerry,

I replaced the insulation and plugs in my '67 and had the same difficulty. I tried heating them in water to soften them and every other lubrication technique. I had success having someone pull on the pointed area as it pushed through the engine side. Actually, after trying Long Island's tool and everything else, I used a suggestion I received here for the last couple, I enlarged the hole slightly. I Didn't want to, but I got tired of pushing the tool through the end of the plugs and buying more of them. The carped does go under the lower edge of the insulation. Good luck...

[John H.]

Re: firewall insulation 1966

The plant heated them in a tray under a heat lamp, and dipped them in a Joy soap solution just before installation; one guy pushed from the inside with the tool, another guy pulled them through from the engine side with a pair of duckbill pliers.

[Stephen L.]

Re: firewall insulation 1966

I just completed my insulation for the second time. I found that the tool from LIC just poked a hole in the rubber grommet. I was very successful using some very strong thread looped around the point of the grommet. Good fish line would also work. I put a silicone lube on the plug and pulled it thru the hole with the thread.

[Ralph E.]

Re: firewall insulation 1966

John Hinckely has the best solution, I used it a few years back. Heat and soap. Had them installed within 5 minutes.