The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors Firewall insulation pad

I am trying to install a new pad in my 56, and I am having problems pushing the plastic clips through the holes in the firewall. Before I get out the sledge, is there a trick to pushing them through? Maybe using a small bolt or something in the center of the clip? I need nine clips and they sent nine clips, so I have no spares to break.

Thanks, Lee.

I bought a firewall pad from LMC and they sent non original type plastic push pins. The first two I tried to install I destroyed because they were too large for the hole and there were no extras. I threw them away and bought something that worked from the local parts store.

This one came from LMC too, I may have to do the same thing. Thanks.

I just used the original style retainers from the old cardboard pad. I just cut slits big enough for the retainers to fit through. Its a good thing that the package of those too fat plastic retainers didn't weigh much because I threw them across the shop fueled by vehement and extreme prejudice.
Carl

For those wondering what is being referred-to:

41-55 firewall retainer clips - image below
55-72 firewall retainer clips - image below

I could not load the images because I was incorrectly informed be the stovebolt.com Attachment Manager that the 38 kb file is too large - oh, well.

Here are links to the images:
https://www.classicparts.com/images/42-085.jpg (41-55)
https://www.classicparts.com/images/42-087.jpg (55-72)

I think the original post was referring to the 55-72 style plastic clip?
I'd warm up the 55-72 plastic clips and then try to hammer/punch them through (but, I have never tried to do so).

Yes, my post was concerning the 55-72 style clips. I had not thought of warming them, I did think that maybe using a wood dowl or the like to hammer through the center of the clip and not on the end. Maybe they compress and swell a little bit when hammering from the end? I’ll be trying it later today and will report on my success or lack thereof.

Lee, those plastic firewall retainer clips were used on my 1958 Chevrolet Biscayne. Put a little petroleum jelly...sparingly on them and place them in hot water. They will slide right into the holes. Then wipe of the petroleum jelly once you get them installed. Worked for me.

Tim

Thanks Tim, I will give that a try. I tried soap with no success, but did not heat them up to soften them up first.

Lee.

Are the holes in the AD firewall the same size as the '55-'72 firewall holes?

All of the pad mounting holes in my 56 are 3/8.

Well, I tried the hot water and vaseline with no luck. Maybe the water was not hot enough, so I got it boiling and then threw in the clips, letting them stew for about 5 minutes. Still did not work. Gave up and bought some different style clips from the local FLAPS; they are a little short, but they go in and seem to be holding. Now I can get back to my electric re wire.

Thanks to all for your help. Lee.

Some of these repro parts are just plain sh!t.
I recently bought a set of stainless clutch head fasteners for the rear fender to bed side. These things didn't fit the clutch head screw driver or wrench I had. Were cut too small. Why would they bring something like this to market, I had to make a tool to stop them from turning when I tightened them down. I contacted Classic Parts, nothing but crickets.

Lee,

Sorry the hot water and petroleum jelly trick didn't work for you. Now wondering if the plastic firewall pad retainers LMC sent were just way to large in diameter for the holes in your firewall. I would let LMC know about this, so they can send you the correct size and correct this situation for future purchasers.

Tim

Good idea Tim, I will do that.