Topic: 1968 rubber firewall pad plug installation

[CT428CJ]

 I have two styles of plugs. One is a bit softer and has a longer clinch length (too long to firmly hold the pad) this one is relatively easy to install.
 The second the Dennis Carpenter part has the correct clinch length but a larger diameter and shorter lead in angle on the tip. This one is very difficult to install.
https://www.dennis-carpenter.com/en/trucks/interior/firewall-cover/c8zz-6501691-a-firewall-insulation-retainer-r

Which, if either is "correct"

What is the best method for installing these plugs?

[ruppstang]

The longer one looks correct to me.

[CT428CJ]

This tool would work except that the original holes in the firewall are 0.345 in so a 3/8 tube won't fit through.

[Bob Gaines]

This tool would work except that the original holes in the firewall are 0.345 in so a 3/8 tube won't fit through.

I don't mean to sound sarcastic but just find a smaller tool of what ever type that will fit . Just don't go too undersize because the smaller the diameter of the head increases the possibility of it tearing through the end of the rubber.

[CT428CJ]

Without a lathe, that will be a bit difficult.

[CT428CJ]

The longer one looks correct to me.

That would be the simplest option. I suppose that I could install a fiber washer under the head to make up for the lack of clinch.

[Bob Gaines]

You don't have to use the thing in the picture. Any number of things will work . You probably have something around the house to use for instance.  A wooden dowel rod would be one of the first inexpensive things I can think of to use if you had to buy something.

[ruppstang]

That would be the simplest option. I suppose that I could install a fiber washer under the head to make up for the lack of clinch.

The longer one is the correct length. I use a metal punch and dish soap on the out side to help it through. Someone on the outside is helpful too.

[CT428CJ]

 I was able to install the longer plug however the lack of clinch on the pad didn't seem right.

 The shorter plug seemed visually closer to an original plug on a friend's car and I want to make sure since it would be a real pain to change out down the road.

[CT428CJ]

You don't have to use the thing in the picture. Any number of things will work . You probably have something around the house to use for instance.  A wooden dowel rod would be one of the first inexpensive things I can think of to use if you had to buy something.

Not true. I tried everything I could think of including a bolt, a pencil, a dowel, a tool for bellmouthing 3/8 tube and one of my wife's crochet hook handles. None of these worked with the shorter plug.

[Bob Gaines]

Not true. I tried everything I could think of including a bolt, a pencil, a dowel, a tool for bellmouthing 3/8 tube and one of my wife's crochet hook handles. None of these worked with the shorter plug.

It might be true if you were trying to install the longer plug like you have been advised to do. I have never had a problem improvising a tool to use installing the longer plugs but then again I was installing the longer plugs like what I took out.   

[J_Speegle]

Often found pulling (carefully) on the tip end helped with the efforts to guide the plug in from the interior side helpful in installing and seating the plugs on cars I've done. Of course doing this before the windshield is installed or getting a second set of hands involved