Topic: 65 Firewall Pads (Specifically San Jose)

[J_Speegle]

Trying to see if I can determine some general or specific change over periods for each of the different firewall pads used at San Jose in 65.

We realize that the typical/normal pad was produced and supplied by a different  sub contractor than the other plants (like many parts) characterized by a "dimpled" or "off set pegboard" surface
 
Major difference appears to be the punch outs for the AC hoses. So far I've got the

1- No punch out
2- Vertical oval ended punch out
3- Vertical square corner punch out
4- Horizontal (angled up at passenger end) oval ended punch out

Here are a few examples

No punch



Some may notice the early clutch rod seal in the example below
Vertical oval ended punch out



Vertical square corner punch out



Horizontal (angled up at passenger end) oval ended punch out

[jwc66k]

Jeff,
 My Oct 65 San Jose build "K" has an oval hole but it's at a 70 degree angle. It's too cold to take a picture tonight but I'll wrap myself in a parka and hit it tomorrow, along with my Oct 65 San Jose build hardtop. It's cold in Santa Clara - 
Jim

[J_Speegle]

Jeff,
 My Oct 65 San Jose build "K" has an oval hole but it's at a 70 degree angle. It's too cold to take a picture tonight but I'll wrap myself in a parka and hit it tomorrow, along with my Oct 65 San Jose build hardtop. It's cold in Santa Clara - 
Jim

Being a 66 model I would expect you to have the #4 version - thanks

[CharlesTurner]

The red '65 SJ convertible I'm putting together now is in the 206xxx range, it had the sideways oval punch-out for a/c lines.  Something I noticed about that original firewall pad was it was a little more shiny than the earlier ones I have seen.

[Brant]

Jeff,

My June '65 production GT350 has the vertical rectangular style punch out.

My late March '65 one has the same style.

The early Dec. '65 production GT350's that I have observed have the one without any punch out.

Oh, and anyone has one of the vertical rectangular SJ style ones, I sure could use a nice one!

[trucktricksdon]

I took some photos of my November 64 SJ, A code coupe. DSO was Dallas. VIN# 156xxx. Appears to have been hacked so probably no cut out.

[PraireBronze]

Appears to have been hacked so probably no cut out.

October '64 SJ fastback...  Same here.  Mine looked like someone jabbed a screwdriver through it until there were big enough holes for the hoses, and then jabbed it some more for good measure.

[jwc66k]

Here are pictures of my Oct 15, 1965 hardtop and Oct 18, 1965 K Fastback firewalls. Both are San Jose cars.
Jim   

[6S280]

Firewall pad picture from my early '66 Shelby #280.

[jwc66k]

A picture of my San Jose May 11 build 65 GT Fastback, square cut vertical. Should we also look in the engine compartment for the corresponding A/C hoses' access?
Jim

[buckeyeresto]

Those firewall pads just aren't san jose seen them in many early dearborn cars.  Just took apart an original 64 1/2 pace car coupe built april 17th 1964 with the pad you show in the pictures

[jwc66k]

Those firewall pads just aren't san jose seen them in many early dearborn cars.  Just took apart an original 64 1/2 pace car coupe built april 17th 1964 with the pad you show in the pictures

Jeff does a lot of research on Mustangs. I don't know what his objective was in this case, I assume looking for a transition date from one type of pad to another, but specifically as installed in the San Jose assembly plant. His quest may apply to Shelbys for that matter. Owners of Mustangs from other plants my be asked to do a similar survey on pads or other components.
Jim

[jstefanick]

This is from my Oct 18, (K 18) San Jose build '66 Convertible. Looks like a #4- horizontal oval to me too.

My firewall pad looks a bit different, in that it has the square imprint other than the dimple look- is it original?

6R08T120933
K18 (Oct 18, 1965)

[CharlesTurner]

My firewall pad looks a bit different, in that it has the square imprint other than the dimple look- is it original?

Haven't seen one like that before.

[ChrisV289]

October '64 SJ fastback...  Same here.  Mine looked like someone jabbed a screwdriver through it until there were big enough holes for the hoses, and then jabbed it some more for good measure.

I looked at mine yesterday (Oct 1964 SJ) and i have two distinct round holes cut out in the firewall pad.  I'll post a picture later when I get home...

Chris