Heater Hose Grommets

[philipswanson]

Looking to seal my '40s firewall better. The heater hoses are the big culprit for fumes coming in. Do any of you have a source for a good heater hose grommet? One of the holes is somewhat larger than the OD of the 5/8" hose.

Phil Swanson

[J Franklin]

I don't have a '40 but can not think of where you need a grommet. Was that a factory solution?

[325w]

How big is the hole in thefirewall

[philipswanson]

Didn't take hose out to measure it but probably 1/4" gap all around the hose as it passes thru the firewall. Don't know if this was factory or maybe a grommet fell out??

[J Franklin]

Maybe a flat O-ring might close it up.

[FortyNiner]

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Most better hardware stores have an aisle with all manner of fasteners and doodads. You'll find some standard rubber grommets - one or more will work. I just followed this same path on my 46 project car as the heater tube holes and some stray firewall wire holes needed to be dressed up a bit.

[chap52]

I believe Lowes has a drawer full of grommets and lots of different "do-dads" right where their nuts, bolts, screws are.

[5851a]

Try a shop that deals with AC, we used to install lots of rear heat and cool units in conversion vans. The kits came with grommets for the hoses. Summit racing has them listed from vintage air for $1.99 a piece.https://www.summitracing.com/parts/v...-vui/overview/

[4dFord/SC]

You might also consider using 3-M strip-caulk (aka dum-dum).

[corvette8n]

Try the dreaded eBay or Amazon use the part # in the picture, the assortment might come in handy.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by J Franklin

I don't have a '40 but can not think of where you need a grommet. Was that a factory solution?

The authentic hoses had a larger outside diameter than the modern hoses. The end of the hose created a seal when it was pushed over the heater nipple(s) and up to (flush) with the instrument panel (aka firewall).

[Kube]

Originally Posted by philipswanson

Didn't take hose out to measure it but probably 1/4" gap all around the hose as it passes thru the firewall. Don't know if this was factory or maybe a grommet fell out??

Sounds as if someone drilled a very large hole - too large and not "correct". I like the idea of using the modern automotive caulk for your issue.

[19Fordy]

Restoration Specialties has grommets.

[V12Bill]

My Lincolns had a piece of rubber about 1.5" X 3" with holes cut in it for the hoses. I used a piece from a gardening kneeling pad cut to size . A dab of 3M black weather adhesive will hold it in place.

[philipswanson]

Thanks for all the great replies!

Phil Swanson

[Dick]

I use these from Mid Fifties.
Usually between the firewall and heater on the inside.
Would be easy to make: 1/4" thick foam and 1 3/4" square

[TomT/Williamsburg]

In the past I have used pcv grommets, early 70s Mustang hose grommets (which I am using in my present 32 5-window project), and there used to be an aftermarket street rod application where grommets could be had for the most common hose sizes. Try an afternarket ac manufacturer for those. Good luck ....

[37 Cab]

McMaster Carr will have any size grommet or seal material you need.

[fordor41]

I found the correct size for my '41at hardware store . didn't want to disconnect the hoses so cut the grommet with a razor , pushed ithe grommet between the hose and f/w and super glued the ends together with the joint down.

[ford38v8]

Originally Posted by Kube

The authentic hoses had a larger outside diameter than the modern hoses. The end of the hose created a seal when it was pushed over the heater nipple(s) and up to (flush) with the instrument panel (aka firewall).

Mike, Not sure of the date, but the instructions were modified to push the hose through the dash, not "up to (flush)". The reasons, apparently, was to seal the hole, and to prevent rattles and abrasion of the heater pipe on the metal dash. Sorry for the lousy illustration.