32 Pickup "B" firewall pads
 

Anyone have experience with aftermarket firewall pads ? who makes the best looking one ? etc. make it yourself ? I have my old one but its rough shape.sc

Re: 32 Pickup "B" firewall pads
 

I've always used Quiet Ride Solutions in Stockton, Ca.

Re: 32 Pickup "B" firewall pads
 

There are two versions available that have the original 'chicken track' pattern on their outer surface and fit all but the early '32 firewalls. One is made with ABS plastic and comes with the insulation firmly attached to the back side. It comes in both the four-cylinder and V8 versions with the holes already in place. Many vendors handle this ABS version (C&G, LeBaron Bonney, etc.)

The other version is made of fiberglass and comes without any holes and the insulation is separate. It is only available from Restorations and Reproductions in Portland, Oregon.

I have used multiples of both versions, but only the latter version of late. The ABS version has several faults. Its surface finish is very shiny, unlike an original. It comes with some extra holes that weren't in an original and the pattern used for the hole placement must have been made from a shrunken original as the perimeter attachment holes have to be enlarged in order to mount it on an original firewall. Lastly, the insulation covers the entire back side and must be removed from where the two semi-circular legs of the instrument panel attach to the firewall as original. That sounds like it is no big deal, but the type of insulation and attaching glue used make it a very time consuming task.

The last three '32 insulators that I've used have all been the fiberglass version from the McKennett's Restorations and Reproductions. They have a dull finish as original and by making your own holes you get perfect hole alignment with your firewall and no unwanted. non-original holes. The separate insulation is easy to cut for the instrument panel legs and the various required holes and then attached to the back of the fiberglass with contact cement.

Re: 32 Pickup "B" firewall pads
 

The glass fiber reinforced polyester (fiberglass) would last almost indefinitely in the position that it is mounted. I've had several occasions in the aircraft world to compare ABS plastic parts with fiberglass parts for cowlings & fairings. The ABS stuff failed within 10-years where the same part made of fiberglass is still in service after 30+ years. The fiberglass parts can be repaired with patch methods that are hard to detect. The ABS parts, not so much. Fiberglass resists warping and can take a lot of heat. ABS warps if it gets too hot. In my opinion, the fiberglass would be the best choice.