32 cowl to firewall rubber installation

[NRolfes]

Help, I am putting the body of my ‘32 Tudor on the frame and running into problems with installing the rubber welting between the firewall and cowl. I installed the firewall and than lifted the body with the help of friends onto the frame and firewall. I have read a number of posts discussing the issue but I have not found any addressing how to get the rubber between the cowl and firewall. I have read posts discussing where the reproduction rubber is thicker and harder than the original. I do not have an original so have to use the reproduction and it does not look like it will fit on the sides. Would adding a lubricant to the rubber help? Is there a specific way to achieve installation? Does someone make an exact replica?

[Newc]

Anytime you want to modify a rubber part - FREEZE it hard. then it will machine/sand ect. Newc

[Krylon32]

I usually install the rubber on the firewall then install the body. Reproduction rubber is not 100 % accurate but it's the best we got. A little Dawn also helps.

[DavidG]

I don't think that you can install the rubber welting after the body is on the firewall as there is a wide channel on the top and sides of the firewall the rubber fits into and there isn't enough room therefore, to insert the rubber, be it original or reproduction. You'll need your friends' help once again to permit you to move the firewall forward far enough to install the rubber welting and then move the firewall back into the cowl opening. As Krylon32 advised, some lubricant on the rubber welting such as Dawn dish detergent will make reinstalling the firewall a bit easier.


The wide part of the reproduction welting (the only game in town) is tapered. Grinding down some the thickest part of the wide part will help as that part is thicker than the original.

[NRolfes]

One other question: I used the frame welting under the legs of the firewall and after reading one of DavidG’s posting, I am questioning if there is a specific product/part for that purpose. After reading his post, I think I should at least double the welting if that product is sufficient. Your advice?

And thanks for the above advice. Your help is awesome and appreciated!

[DavidG]

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The thickness of the original pads underneath the feet of the firewall was not materially different than the webbing beneath the body itself (1/16"). Hence using the webbing instead of separate pads should not affect the fit of the firewall to the cowl.

[Randy in ca]

After the first few posts in the link below the discussion largely is about re-shaping the reproduction 32 firewall rubber seal:

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=210112

[glennpm]

NRolfes,

I'm the guy that sanded the seal in the last post mentioned. The repo seals are too thick and will incorrectly raise the body up enough to foul things up.
You'll need to sand the seal down so that it is uniformly .21" in thickness.

Reproduction seal before sanding:



This is how it should look at .21" thickness:



Top after sanding:



Bottom after sanding:



Glenn

[alchemy]

A couple years ago we lowered a five-window body back on a chassis, and found the Vintique brand seal to fit best. Whoda thought? It was a better fit than the Drake, the Carpenter (maybe those two are the same with different packaging?), and an unknown brand we also had.

Then later that year I attempted to sand down the bottom surface of one of the other leftovers for use in a different five-window. I gouged it a couple times, but eventually got it to fit ok. I might run a bead of black urethane under it on final install after painting to seal the gouges.

[NRolfes]

Thank you all for the insightful input. I will not get back to working on it until this weekend but will freeze and try to sand down to the .21 inch thickness. That to me looks like the solution. I will let you know how it worked.

[NRolfes]

Wow, what a challenge to get the rubber seal in-between the cowl and the firewall. I reshaped the rubber seal using my table saw with a new carbide finishing blade. This worked well. I cut a grove for the smaller part of the L shaped seal into a one by four and used carpet tape to firmly attach the seal to the board and trimmed the seal to approximately 10/64th. Using lots of soap and with lots of coaxing slide it into place. Thanks again for everyone’s help!!!

[glennpm]

Nice fun huh? :-)

You did good with the seal and table saw idea.
Your cowl is still a bit high I think.







Glenn

[NRolfes]

Thanks everyone for your help with the cowl to firewall attachment. After a little more work, it fits just like the picture glennpm posted above. The picture really helped me understand how it was suppose to fit. Thanks again for everyone’s input.

[glennpm]

Excellent!

Glenn

[DavidG]

We'll excuse Glenn's use of Phillips head screws.


Merry Christmas!

[glennpm]

😁

Glenn