Hey all, So I got he heater box out of my car yesterday to start cleaning it and resealing it up along with getting the heater core checked out. The biggest battle was dealing with the rain of fiberglass from the cowl insulation. Don't know how I am still breathing to be honest lol. Anyways, I'm not taking my dash apart at this time, I'm sure that will happen sometime in the future (distant more than near). As such I don't really want to hassle with reinstalling a new insulation on the underside of the cowl with everything there. Is this insulation really needed? Thanks all! Scott
Is the car AC or not? If youre that far, pull the distribution plenum off and get an insulation pad. Fit a cut-off piece as far as the gas pedal. Heck, yer that far, why not? Get on it with a scraper nozzle on the shop vac and remove what you can. Its unpleasant, but thats how I did it. That insulation covers two areas. The sun beating down on the cowl and radiant heat off the engine compartment, especially the back end of the exhaust manifold. Its also a bit of a sound deadener. Theres a bunch of newer tech. stuff to use with a foil backing for a cleaner look. Dry run a new piece for fit, then spray glue and press in place. I dont think youll regret doing it and its a "while Im in there" thing.Of course, that begs the question on exterior cowl seam sealing? These cars arent driven year 'round as in the past, but if it rains and it gets wet, well, you know the answer to that... ws
Bill, Car is an AC car. When I went to remove the heater box, the car is already missing the distribution lower duct, along with some of the HVAC ducts to vents. Where is the exterior cowl seem seal? Is that on the outside under the hood?
The cowl is built from about 6 pieces of sheet metal. It was spot welded at the plant, then all the seams had a sealer put on to keep the weather out. 1970's technology is now hard as a rock and cracked all to heck. The worst part is the front fenders have to come off to access the seams. The good? The stuff comes right off with a scraper/screwdriver. Now theres all kinds of urethane sealers for the job that will out last us! Bill
If he got a face full of fiberglass he is talking about the upper insulation not the firewall insulation that is made from jute not fiberglass. It is there fir a reason . It prevents condensation in the car to prevent all your wires from getting wet.,
Hmmm, I’m not saying I won’t install one, but, don’t want to deal with it at this moment. When I restore the interior I will do the firewall pad and the upper cowl insulation. Being in San Diego it’s usually warm and the car is always in the garage. It won’t be used in rain, when we get it. Bill, currently the front clip is removed. My plan was to lay new sealer on those joints. Had an idea that was what you were talking about. That old stuff sure does come off easy after 45+ years
If you noticed, I brushed on a bunch of rustoleo rusty metal primer. You can thin it a bit to saturate everything. The judges will never see it without a borescope! Keep at it and dont give up! Bill
