So I am restoring my 1954 3100 and I want to get it back to as factory as possible with the exception of power brake booster, 12v conversion, power wipers, etc. With that in mind, I have come to the realization that the firewall panel is shot (it is the original) and I must buy and install a new one. So my questions is, with that in mind what would the forum recommend? There is this one from our host made from ABS plastic: http://www.classicparts.com/1954-Inner-Firewall-Cover-Type-1/productinfo/42-012/ There is also this one from truckandcarshop.com (Black rubber face with insulated backing including replacement style clips - part#54-030022) : http://www.truckandcarshop.com/trucks47_59/t47_027.html Or are there any others that people know of out there that might be better and more similar to the original stock one? The one in the truck is like a thick cardboard/fiberboard with some sort of insulated backing too it that has the consistency of horse hair. I am leaning towards the ABS plastic one because it would seem that this one would hold up best over time but any suggestions would be greatly appreciated being as you guys have mountains of valuable information which has already been extremely helpful to me. As always, thanks in advance. Steve
I have tried both. The abs is a rectal irritation to install. The rubber is much easier to work with. I put this in the 53.
Thanks for the input Thanks for the input ol' chebby - I have looked through tons of your pictures and that is the one I thought you used. Great photo documentation by the way on how to put these old trucks back together. I have referenced them many times already and I am sure I will reference them many times in the future. Since you have done a lot of this restoration thing, what in your opinion is the best way to treat rust to be painted over when it can't be blasted and you can't take it all off with a wheel because of the mess it will make? I bought a bunch of products from Eastwood yesterday and they seem like they have a pretty good system - I just wanted to know what you have done on your trucks and what has been the most durable. Thank you for your time.
Rust encapsulator. I have some stuff I got from a local resto shop that is silver. I don't know the name, but I think they use is on bridges. It is some mean stuff. After it dries you have to sand it so paint will stick.
Insulation Just remember : Any materiel that has air spaces in it (closed or open cells , fiber etc.) will have more than double the ability to insulate against both temperatures and noise.... Choose wisely .
