firewall insulation on a 35 coupe

[35 coupe]

Wondering if anybody ever bought firewall insulation, the one with the plastic and have any trouble with it, the holes being off space, top to short etc. It seems that when new parts don't fit on your car, they tell you that they never had any problems in the past with that part, or they tell you there must be something different about your car, even if it is stock, and it cost you extra to send it back, so the money you saved by buying from different vendors goes out the window.

[Brian]

I recently fitted one into my 35. For the initial fitting I used 2" long 1/4" coachscrews [gave me a bit of wriggle room] and once they were all in place I left the entire assembly to settle for a few weeks before fitting the actual insulator retaining studs. Brian

[flatheadfan]

My experience is limited to strictly '35-'36s. So with that in mind I can't make any judgments about other years and their fitting. Obviously, others may have had different experiences. Of the ones I have used I found NONE that fit right out of the box. With the price you pay for these things they should fit and function like an original.

The problems are many. The holes are generally marked in the right spot (not cut-out). However, where they fail is the over-all fit. In all cases I found the profiles did not match the firewall profile especially the slanted section. Also, in all cases it seemed they should have been an inch wider on the the two vertical edges. This left a 'gap" on both sides. I think what the manufactures did was use a typical firewall as a build-up mold. However, as soon as you put some insulation under the finish product it no longer fits the firewall profile.

Speaking of firewall insulation, I have only used the insulation kit once and from my experience it is a waste of money. It cracks and crumbles very easily. Basically, it is very similar to typical drywall material. Also, due to its' thickness you can't use it under the top piece or the slanted part of the firewall. It throws off all the profile fits if you do. For a better solution take a field trip to a "big box" hardware store. For a fraction of the price you can come out with something that will be easy to work with and outperform the "suggested" insulation kit.

Hope this helps.

Tom

[48-710]

Tom & Brian, I will need one for my '35 Roadster soon. Do you know if all the vendors have the same supplier for the firewall insulation?. If not, who has the better fitting ones ?
Regards,
Gary

[1931 flamingo]

I think it's latest issue of street rodder mag or last months R&C, shows how to make one.
Paul in CT

[Brian]

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When I wanted to do mine, I asked the question on here as to which is the better of the two available; ABS plastic or fibreglass. It was recommended that the ABS was the way to go, so I took that route. I believe it was manufactured by 'Quiet ride solutions', but purchased through a 'normal' supplier. Brian

[flatheadfan]

Gary-

There is a new supplier making them. They are "suppose" to be much better than the ones currently being sold. I don't recall the name but I believe the supplier is located in So. California. However, all is not lost, try this.. post an inquiry on the Early Ford Club forum (http://www.earlyfordv8.org/forum/vie...s.cfm?Forum=18). A discussion on this very subject came up a few months ago and someone on that forum probably has a better memory than me on who is making them.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

Tom

[jfcrash]

I installed a new two part firewall insulator in my 1935 Phaeton two weeks ago. It has molded plastic front and the insulation material was glued on the back side.

It fits perfect ...the holes for the studs lined up (the trick was as Brain said above to use smaller screws for the aligment), fits tight to top and bottom...had to drill the holes for the fuse block after it was installed.

I bought it from Mac's (local supplier) and was dropped shipped from Quiet Ride Solutions , Stockton, Ca......who I assume was the mfg.

Hopes this helps....Jim

[Dave D]

Jim,

Where did you get the paint for your dashboard from?

Thanks,

Dave

[jfcrash]

I purchased it from TCP global in Calif-858-909-2158 their p/n's may have changed but was Met taupe p/n IM044

The smallest they come in is quarts, but that was good for me as I had difficulty with the metallic and painted the dash three times...lol, by that time I think I may have lost some of the metallic effect.

Jim

[41PICUP]

Quiet Ride Solutions
6507 Pacific Ave. Ste. 334
Stockton, CA. 952502
www.quietride.com

They have an on-line catalog and price list.

[deuce lover]

The ABS one I purchased ,I wiped down with lacquer thinner to take the shine off.

[FL&WVMIKE]

Here are some photos of the original firewall insulation on my early 1935 Cabriolet.
MIKE