C2 Firewall Insulation Installation

[James W.]

Question... can the firewall insulation be "easiliy" installed with the engine (big block) installed? All the Corvette vendors are out of this insulation at this time with a 10 day lead-time. We were scheduled to do the body installation next Friday, but may have to wait if the firewall insulation is not in place. The body shop owner want the car out of the shop ASAP and so do we.

I've heard that getting the plugs through the firewall are a PITA to install? We have the tool to aid in the plug install, but I'd like to get some pointers from those who have been-there done-that.

I've attached a picture of the just painted engine compartment for discussion purposes.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Best Regards,

James West

[Mark F.]

Re: C2 Firewall Insulation Installation

Hi James,

You have just identified one of those miserable C2 tasks....installing the rubber fire wall plugs. Plan to have on hand more plugs than you will need as you will break-through several if you try to push them through with a tool.

Here is a method that I found useful. Using a 2 foot length of surveyors nylon chord, tie one end of the chord very think surveyors nylon chord around the tip of the plug. Pass the long side of the chord through the insullation and the hole in the firewall. Have a helper gently pull the cord while you push the plug with your tool. I used a new regular pencil for my tool, pushing with the unused flat eraser end. This technique will enable you to get part of the plug's tip through the hole and "hooked" onto the firewall fiberglass. Then, have your helper keep pressure on the pencil or tool side of the plug, while you massage the tip through the firewall.

I did mine with the motor in place.

I hope this helps you out.

Mark Francois
(26312)

[John H.]

Re: C2 Firewall Insulation Installation

In the plant, the rubber retainers were warmed under a heat lamp in a tray on the operator's bench, and were dipped in a 50-50 water/Joy soap solution just prior to installation. One guy used the tool from the inside, and the other guy pulled them through from the engine side with duckbill pliers.

[Peter J.]

Re: C2 Firewall Insulation Installation

Thanks John. Timely post as I am going to try to put mine in tomorrow. I am going to use a heat gun and now soap instead of oil.
Pete