I cut the plate and when I test fit it I found it would not sit flush on one corner. When the restoration shop moved the steering column hole they may have left the firewall warped. I added a bolt to draw the plate and firewall together. I used tarpaper for the gasket, it is thin and I don’t think it will compress. I decided now would be the best time to paint the firewall, and also under the dash, what a chore. Now with the plate in it is solid. I think if I have to do this again, I’d cut out that section of firewall and replace it with a thicker panel.
