Topic: Proof that the 67-68 Repop Firewall Pad is Junk

[sparky65]

I had read that all firewall pads are reproduced poorly.  I had no idea how bad they were and with most people saying the expensive one wasn't worth the extra $100 I figured I would try to make the cheap one work.

Well here are some pictures for everyone else to make there own decisions from.  I bought it from NPD but it looks like it is manufactured by Repops with part number M271.  The pad is probably 2 inches too short.  If you line everything up on the right side of the steering column the left side won't line up.  You almost have to cut it at the steering column and add the 2 inches in there.  Unless they were originally two pieces which I cant tell since I only had the right side of the pad.  The problem is there is no extra material to work with. So you cant add a piece in the middle or by the heater box were it is cut square instead of rounded.





I don't really know how I want to proceed. 
1. Cut it at the steering column and use it as is without filling in the holes.  The wrong cut at the heater box is going to be obvious though. 

2. Return it to NPD and:

• Buy one from Mustangs Unlimited which looks like it may have the right cut out around the heater fan and also looks like it has material left in the cutouts that could be use as patches if this one ends up short
• Look for a decent used one.  This would probably significantly delay my progress and probably be out of my budget.
• Find the material and make my own.  I mean how hard can I be to cut some holes in the right spot on a big sheet of this stuff?  In order to do that I would need to guess on what the left side is supposed to look like though since I don't have that piece.  I think I can buy the backing and just spray it with undercoating.  Don't know which undercoating though since it would have to stay very flexible long enough to install.

Any thoughts, comments, ideas.  Especially on the last option of making your own.

[Sunlitgold68]

I think you could find a used one somewhere, it might take a day at the salvage yard but even a repaired worn original would be better than the reproductions.

[bryancobb]

I know it's old info but I bought one from SSNAKE Oil, 20 years ago when I restored my 65 conv. and it looked exactly like the original and fit just as well too.  I would suspect that they sell the same product now.

[67gta289]

On a related note, any reviews on new metal firewall mat clips available from several sources?  I'm hoping to reuse my pad, but the clips are no good.  thanks.

[sparky65]

I think you could find a used one somewhere, it might take a day at the salvage yard but even a repaired worn original would be better than the reproductions.

I'm looking but haven't found any salvage yards around here that have a 67 mustang.  Its also a difficult thing to get out unless the car is mostly gutted already.  I also don't think I ever recall seeing anyone selling used firewall pads either.  Kind of surprising considering how poor the repros are.

I know it's old info but I bought one from SSNAKE Oil, 20 years ago when I restored my 65 conv. and it looked exactly like the original and fit just as well too.  I would suspect that they sell the same product now.

They don't list it anymore on the website but I will try calling Monday to see what i can find out.  Maybe they have a leftover one sitting in the corner.

On a related note, any reviews on new metal firewall mat clips available from several sources?  I'm hoping to reuse my pad, but the clips are no good.  thanks.

I picked up the metal clips.  Ill try to post a picture of them tomorrow if I remember.  They look reasonably close as far as I remember how the old ones looked but I can't compare them side by side.  Of course I haven't tried to install them either.  I think I read some where that there are two diffrent types of metal clips as well.

[sparky65]

Here is the firewall pad retainer clip I got.  Its actually made by Dennis Carpenter.

[CharlesTurner]

Is that plated in zinc dichromate?

[cobrajetchris]

I had the same problem with my 69 R code I am restoring, I have a reproduction pad from REPOPS and when I opened up the box it looked more like a carpet jute pad out of LEXUS than a fire wall pad for a 69 MUSTANG. I was able to repair my original pad that had some tears and cuts and a few small pieces missing. I used a two part 3M flexible seam sealer to bridge some of the missing or torn pieces. I laid the pad out on a table and used masking tape to bridge some of the small pieces together then filled it in with the seam sealer. When the seam sealer cured (about 15 minutes) I flipped the pad over and filled in the repair with 3M undercoating, let it dry for a while and sprayed a light coat over the entire pad to make it uniform, let it dry and then used some SEMS trim black aerosol paint to make it look correct. It came out pretty good and the repaired areas will never really show up after the dash is installed. It certainly is better than a dead wrong  reproduction. Why can't someone reproduce these pads correctly? it can't be that hard. The most frustrating part of this hobby is the junk reproduction parts.

[C5ZZ]

Steve, if you don't have any luck finding one let me know,
there are a few salvage yards here that have 67's and I
might be able to find you a used one.

Are they different on a A/C car?

[Sunlitgold68]

Cars with A/C will have a different firewall pad. I know the 68's are different so I am assuming the 67's would also be different too. l

[sparky65]

Is that plated in zinc dichromate?

I don't think so.  I think it is some type of plating since it doesn't seem to scratch off like paint.  It is a dark plating which is very shiny.

[J_Speegle]

Is that plated in zinc dichromate?

IMHO the ones I've always removed appear to be more of a phosphate color - in the areas  protected from the elements. Basically a dark chalky or can be shinny (with a little rubbing) dark gray to blackish

[sparky65]

Guys check out the price on this used firewall pad. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1967-1968-COUGAR-XR7-GT-FoMoCo-FIREWALL-INSULATION-PAD_W0QQitemZ200313112349QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item2ea397871d  Its insane but considering the junky repros I guess some one may pay it.

I haven't located a used one in good enough condition yet but I am seriously considering making my own.  Does anyone know how thick the original was?
Also those that splatter the undercoating onto the pads.  What brand/type did you use that remained flexible enough to install without getting that crackled look?  Or do you apply the undercoating with a roller after the bad is installed?

[J_Speegle]

Guys check out the price on this used firewall pad........................................

Have seen plenty go for $250 at least for nice ones - Doesn't look like the one in the ad is all that great IMHO

I haven't located a used one
Also those that splatter the undercoating onto the pads.  What brand/type did you use that remained flexible enough to install without getting that crackled look?  Or do you apply the undercoating with a roller after the bad is installed?

To add texture (Dearborn and NJ style pads) to the reproductions (guess this could be used to hide a repair) I used Bondo brand, pushed the nozzle down slightly so the stuff would sputter, creating the dots, drips and clumps rather than a spray. Rained down the results from 4 foot above the pad.   Was pretty happy ( especially considering the options)  with the results

[Sunlitgold68]

You will probably have to pay $250 to $300 for a good reusable firewall pad. It's well worth the money though!

Here is a 1968 OEM Firewall pad I restored, before and after photos. Charles offered the restoration tips, I did not use any undercoating. Cleaned with mineral spirits, toothbrush and sprayed with black vinyl satin dye. It turned out nice and looks brand new.