What is the best way to install these fasteners without breaking them? I have tried an old screwdriver that I cut the tip off of. Any ideas?
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Re: 67 firewall insulation fasteners
Bob,
I too just went through tearing the tops off a couple of the fasteners before I got them to go in right. I ended up using a long bolt about 1/8 inch in diameter. The head of the bolt was a standard slotted screw head that was rounded. I ground down the diameter of the bolt head until it fit snugly into the hole up the center of the fastener. I was careful to keep the head rounded with no sharp edges. I put axle grease on the pointed head of the rubber fastener. With the head of the bolt inside the fastener, I pushed on the bolt with steady pressure but moving it around in a circular manner versus just pushing it straight in. On one of the holes in the fiberglass firewall, there was a sharp edge which did minor damage to one of the fasteners. On the remainder, this technique worked perfectly. Except, I'm still 2 fasteners short because I tore up a few before I finally figured out a technique that worked.
Rod McCormick '67 convertible -
Re: 67 firewall insulation fasteners
Hi Mr. Johnson!
Although I have not seen it, LI Corvette (800-467-6367) lists a specific tool for installing firewall fasteners. I believe it retails for about $5.
CarlComment
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Danger, Will Robinson, Danger!!!
Carl -
This tool is a cut off screwdriver with a plastic handle, and you don't even get the part that they cut off.
Then Jerry, you mullet, why didn't you simply return it? Well, I guess I didn't think it was worth paying return shipping plus a restocking fee. I would much rather look at it on my "Wall of Shame" with the other stupid purchases I've made.Comment
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Re: Danger, Will Robinson, Danger!!!
Hi Mr. Bramlett!
Live and learn. I honestly haven't purchased one - I used a 1/4" socket driver handle (I guess that in principle it too is...a screwdriver with the end cut off!) And you only paid $5. Consider..those folks who used to own Delaware...!
CarlComment
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Re: 67 firewall insulation fasteners
Unlike most of my learned colleges here, I conducted an experiment. After going through 'umpteen' PIF grommets with torn ends that I'd paid a bloody (relative term) fortune for from un-named Corvette reproduction catalog houses, I went to the junk yard.
Found the identical PIF/grommets on several Chevy passenger cars of the identical year as my Corvette, and at GREAT PAIN carefully removed them and re-set the internal slide plungers. I immediately discovered that one of these 'crack' Corvette repro catalog houses advertised factory 'correct' supplier head marks on the PIF/grommets only to find EACH and EVERY real McCoy original one I pulled (including those from two wrecked Corvettes) had a much different head mark that simply consisted of the GM P/N for the part called out in the AIM. Beware, Will Robinsos, beware!
Last, when I'd completed my hunting/gathering exercise, I took my 'n' real McCoy PIF/grommets and installed them (remember these guys were nearly 30 years old and 'rotten') using the sawed off screw driver/socket driver method. Guess what? NOT ONE OF THE SUCKAS RIPPED!
Bottom line, UJ (uncle Jack) concludes we're being ripped off (literally) by our professional restoration/reproduction catalog houses! Looking good is one thing, but pulling the GM dwgs and getting the polymerization/durometer characteristics required of the original rubber is another....Comment
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Re: 67 firewall insulation fasteners
I second Jacks findings. Only the real GM parts didn't tear, even after 30 plus years. I have not got a positive response from any body on the repro rubber fittings. Everyone tears them. I have got repops to work untorn but spent hours stuffing them thru and prying with a tiny screwdriver on the firewall side.Comment
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