[dataway]

So I got the stock type inner firewall insulation from Ames ... and advice before I get to work? Is it just held on by the plastic pins, no glue?

[OG68]

I used a medium Phillips head screwdriver to push the pins through.

A little glue on the far left side near the drivers vent but no where else IIRC.

[dataway]

Is that the molded version? Don't think my "standard" version would lay down that nice against the firewall. Also ... no AC on your car?

[OG68]

Yes, the molded version. And yes, no A/C.

[68ragtop]

I used the same one form Ames it fit ok, but not perfect. I recall adjusting a few things with it. I am surprised you could push those plugs in with a Phillips screwdriver. I made a stepped driver out of aluminum on the lathe. Lubed them & still had to whack them pretty good. I hope you don't poke a hole in any of them. They seemed stiffer than they needed to be? Gas pedal & fuse block area is where mine needed to be "adjusted"

68RT

[dataway]

I think my "standard" version is going to need some modification in the fuse block area too. I'm contemplating using some generic plugs, yes the ones they send seem way too stiff, I've got a large collection of generic GM push pins. Seems like I remember some small amounts of adhesive on it when I removed it many years ago.

Also ... seems like there are a lot of perforated cut-outs that I might not need ... should I leave those in and only remove them if I find something that needs to mount there?

[mrennie]

I found the plastic pins were way to hard to install and first one I tried broke apart.

I then bought the rubber pins that I think are for older cars. Installed easily and no drama.

Yes, for maximum sound deadening, leave any sections attached that are not in the way.

[68ragtop]

I think I also tried heating them up as I recall. I know I had to buy more as I wrecked a few of them trying to figure it out. If I could have a do over, I would have run a rat tale file through the holes prior to firewall painting. Just ones of those things you don't know until your in the middle of it.

[Entropy11]

I don’t know why they even include the hard plastic ones with the insulation. The rubber ones are so easy. Included a pic for the AMK part number, sorry about the glare.

*edit- my apologies, pics right side up on my phone always show up in random orientations with this site. It’s frustrating.

[dataway]

Jeez, every time I go to install something there is another part that is wrong, or won't work and I have to order something else

[OG68]

I did forget to mention that I used the AMK pins too.

[Entropy11]

Originally Posted by dataway

Jeez, every time I go to install something there is another part that is wrong, or won't work and I have to order something else

Data- just wait till you browse the AMK site and see all the things you “need” lol.

I don’t know of another site where I can find so many things I “need” that I didn’t know existed! In all seriousness though, that company takes all the hassle of spending hours tracking down the right fasteners and still not being 100% sure they’re right. With them, they are spot on, and the price per fastener is usually less than what I can find anywhere else.

Finally just said screw it (no pun intended) and ordered a bunch of stuff I actually did need the other week. The 24lb. box arrived last week. Lol.

[dataway]

Yep, love AMK ... but I'm rarely organized enough to put in a proper size order ... and when I do I get the stuff, put it away and forget I ordered it

Top notch stuff, nothing I have ever ordered from them appeared to be wrong or of poor quality.

[dataway]

Got the pad installed, broke a couple of the plugs ... found an old OEM plug still installed, the new ones are certainly very similar in size and shape, couldn't tell how hard the original was. I basically got them started and gave them a couple of good whacks with a soft faced mallet .. they either go in, or break/distort.

The standard pad isn't bad, has a few extra cut outs for the different years, and is a little wonky by the fuse box, but probably better than the OEM felt.

Under top dash insulation I used 3M Super 77 multi-purpose adhesive spray ... jeez that stuff works good, you better have your plan in place first cause once you stick it on it's not coming off without destroying it.

[dataway]

Hey, should I get the instrument panel all sorted out and installed before installed the steering column? Seems like getting in there with the wiring and such would be easier with no column in the way.

[Entropy11]

I’d definitely hit that now while the column is out. You’d basically have to drop it anyways. Getting it out wasn’t that bad. Couple nuts on the lower edge of the back of the cluster, couple screws down from the top once the dash pad is off, then once you can roll the cluster forward a little you’ll see another row of smaller screws down from the top.

Appreciate your post on the firewall pad, once I wrap up the last of my primer in that area I can get mine in. I’ll be sure to look at which knock-outs in the pad I actually have to remove!

[68ragtop]

Originally Posted by dataway

Hey, should I get the instrument panel all sorted out and installed before installed the steering column? Seems like getting in there with the wiring and such would be easier with no column in the way.

yep, when I did mine I laid out moving blankets on the floor before seats and all of that. with no interior or column I enjoyed installing the heater core, controls & dash wiring.
Column went in before seats, but after the dash was finished. Could do it either way not doubt

[dataway]

So far that's the way I'm progressing ... I've got the parking brake, and brake pedal support in ... probably should have waited on the brake pedal ... easy enough to remove. Have all the insulation done, and the defroster ducts in, ordered a new 10 ohm speaker and a seal kit for the AC/Heater.

Yes, almost enjoyable with no interior in the car.

[dataway]

I installed my under dash insulation with the felt up (towards the metal) instead of the tar paper side ... did I do this backwards?

I noticed some of the tar paper is peeling away from the felt, some spray adhesive seems to fix it nicely, not sure if it wasn't glued properly when made, or I put it in upside down.

I figured if the felt on the firewall pad went toward the metal then this probably did too ... was I wrong?

[OG68]

Felt against the dash. Mine peeled away from the felt after a few weeks too, especially over the steering column.
Reapplied the Super 77 and its been holding for over 6 months now.