Anybody have photos of the firewall insulation, area around the pedals and steering column? Mice have been taking pieces to make nests. I'm now trying to figure out how it was shaped originally, may make some patch sections.

I see some vendors offering firewall insulation for about $390.... Seems mighty steep unless there's something really special about it. Another vendor offers a replacement for about half that price... What gives?

While I'm at it... was there insulation under the console? I think there was, not sure...

 

Yes, but the amount of it might have varied with model years.

The assembly instruction manual (AIM) shows the installation of the firewall pieces and what you should have under the console.

 

I looked at the AIM. Tough to visualize exactly how the original insulation fit around the pedal hanger and steering column area. If anybody has done a restoration and took photos, they would be helpful. If not, I can piece together what seems to work.

I haven't found a clear reference for what was under the console...

 

Hi Jim,
I playing with the firewall mat in the area of the steering column right now. I think some of it was torn away at St.Louis to make installation of the steering column, gas pedal, and carpet plugs easier. Mine car was missing pieces.
The best, most complete, drawing of the pad in the AIM is in UPC1, Sheet D9, Dash Mat, in my 71 AIM.
I think it's needed or the factory wouldn't have fooled with it.
I believe the difference in price you're seeing is tied to how much like the original the reproduction is.
A few years ago I saw a complete used mat in great condition at Carlisle for $1000.
I'm in the process of trying to make some repair pieces using some old jute padding and some black plast-i-dip to duplicate the rubber. Not for the feint of heart.
I'D LOVE to see a picture of what you presently have in that area!!!!
The jute on the tunnel was ragged too. There were 3 main pieces.
One at the very front under the heater duct and radio; it extended back as far as the metal reinforcement riveted to the tunnel for the shifter console support.
The second was behind that metal reinforcement and extended back around the opening for the shifter in the tunnel.
The third was on the tunnel behind the emergency brake mechanism.
The jute is very poorly shown in UPC1, Sheet F30. Front carpet.
I'm looking for tunnel jute pictures too!!!!
Just for fun here are a couple of pictures of the ORIGINAL carpet underlayment... rarely seen.
Regards,
Alan

 

Corvette Central has it for 189.00 All years. I just purchased some for my 69.

http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....Z5Z5Z50000050G

EJ

 

Hi Alan,

Most of mine has been torn away or chewed by mice, the area around the column and pedals. I had the same thought, try to use some old jute to fabricate patches for areas where it's missing. I just finished replacing the upper insulation which mice had also torn away. I could take pictures of the column area but doubt they'd be helpful, I'm doing some spot repairs and patching while the dashboard is out. The area is a bit messy after 40 years of neglect. Don't have time to take it further apart for a major clean up, need to have the car ready for winter storage in a few weeks. Wish I had time to clean it up as you have done with yours. You raised the bar..

Thanks for posting the pictures of the original floor pieces. I had a major problem when I installed replacement jute on the passenger side.
Went too far up the tunnel near the area where the inner seat belt is bolted. The result was the seat belt cover jammed between the chrome bracket on the seat and the tunnel. It's clear the factory cut away some areas to provide clearance.

I'll take a closer look at the AIM, could be the same page numbers or close, mine being a 70.

The price difference may well be for authenticity. I'm mainly interested in cutting down noise and heat, not so much for judging. My goal has always been to have a very nice driver. Still have a ways to go.

 

Hi BB,
I think ej's suggestion is good if originality isn't a prime issue.
In my case the struggle for originality has gotten me in some real messes.
I hope you make your storage deadline!
Regards,
Alan

 

After some advise from Alan & a couple other here is what mine looks like. Bought the lower priced version, and had to add a few holes for some of the grommets & trim in several places, at the indent for the wiper motor, steering column, heater box hole, etc.

Jim





Don't think I took any after the piece under the column went in, but I can take a couple this weekend

 

Nice work there!
See you painted the pedal hanger and pedals? Wish I had the time to do the same. I hate rust, even if you can't see it when the car has been put together. TBD. I may get into a time crunch if I get too deep but REALLY hate to take this thing apart for what may be the 3rd time since I've owned this car.

I replaced the upper insulation on mine with a precut material from Dr Rebuild.

Did you use the same material for all of the lower portion? Could be the camera angle which makes some of it look like original?

 

I painted the pedal assembly a long time ago & reinstalled it. Didn't realize it had to come out to install he firewall insulation I haven't installed the upper insulation, hoping the sound deadening will take care of that section.

That is all one piece, came from Wilcox

Jim