Wiring harness firewall grommet, '5

[Pyewackett]

Got a great deal with a local college to have their body shop repaint my '54 over the winter, and on the day I was to take it over there, the harness shorted out and burned up. So, I'm in the midst of a quick-as-you-dare wiring harness replacement. Unfortunately, the kit didn't inclue the rubber grommet where the harness goes through the firewall and I don't have time to get one overnighted. Does anyone know of a similar, more common rubber donut that will serve while the truck's in the paint shop all winter, until I can order the proper one? I need something I can get from a junkyard or auto parts store on short notice. Thanks for any help!

--Chris J.

 

[Windy in Kansas]

RE: Wiring harness firewall grommet

Most hardware stores carry an assortment of grommets. You should be able to get one there. They usually offer various sizes and openings. Often the selection is by the bolt section in bright yellow boxes with such hardware as "C" clips, springs, snap rings, roll pins, capscrews, etc.

To do a temp installation you could just cut a piece of rubber hose and poke it though the hole, then feed the wires through it. Like I said, a temp fix that will have to be redone.

 

[vwnate1]

RE: Wiring harness firewall grommet

Get a bit of fuel hose and slit it (NOT your hand!) and fit it to the lip of the hole then string your new harness .

It'll get you going and should last as long as you can tolerate the stinky engine air blowing through the hole .

-Nate

 

[Pyewackett]

RE: Wiring harness firewall grommet

That's what I needed, thanks! It's not going to be driven like this, just trailered to a paint shop, and by the time it's back on the road in the spring I'll have the proper grommet sitting on the shelf.