I've gotten pads from three sources now and they're ridiculously incorrect cosmetically.............. some kind of shiny flat stuff with no pattern. Does anybody build anything that looks even halfway right?

The stuff that I have seen is strictly generic. Not even close either. It's better than nothing I suppose as it would keep engine heat and noise out.

Norris, National Parts Depot sells a molded firewall insulation pad. I have not seen it in person, but for $132.00 it better be almost perfect.

Mike

This looks like the moulded one. They claim correct fit,but i haven't seen one.
http://npd.dirxion.com/Main.asp

I called NPD and the person on the phone said they are dead correct, so I ordered one for both cars. I hope he's right.

I called NPD and the person on the phone said they are dead correct, so I ordered one for both cars. I hope he's right.

Let us know what you think.

Mike

Just last weekend I installed one of those "special' molded pads in my '68. While it is different than the standard issue one (I returned one already) they are rather proud (by $100 smackers). Understand it's not a plastic type molded as the dark material is more like composition material than the paper stuff on the regular pads. I bought it because I was hoping the interface between it and the carpet was more "finished" like the older chevys. Unfortunately not! It just ends. Regardless, it's okay but not unique.

The firewall pad I purchased from OPG for my 65 was really bad cosmetically and the fit wasn't close .... inches short vertically and horizontally, and several pieces glued together poorly. I made one from scratch from thin, textured neoprene. Used construction paper to make a template. I backed the neoprene with DynaPad, but jute would work fine for those on a budget.

Just last weekend I installed one of those "special' molded pads in my '68. While it is different than the standard issue one (I returned one already) they are rather proud (by $100 smackers). Understand it's not a plastic type molded as the dark material is more like composition material than the paper stuff on the regular pads. I bought it because I was hoping the interface between it and the carpet was more "finished" like the older chevys. Unfortunately not! It just ends. Regardless, it's okay but not unique.

I agree. I was disappointed in the originality, although the fit seems fine. I've only done the side with the heater box so I can set the engine in today, but think the other half, which is just hanging still will be okay from a fit standpoint.

It's kinda hard to understand the description in the NPD catalogue since it says "just like the factory used". It ain't even close to what the factory used. It is in fact nicer than the 30 dollar repops that I have 3 of from other sources, but I don't think it's anywhere near $100. nicer.

That's one thing that's struck me about my Chevelle, El Camino, GTO, and 442 resto projects...................... there's WAY TOO MUCH incorrect stuff on the market that's labeled as repro, rather than functional replacement as it should be. Most of my restoration efforts for the last 25 plus years have been directed at Corvettes, and the quality/correctness of available components is night and day different from the stuff available for other cars.

Seems like if somebody was going to take the time to have a replacement part manufactured that it'd be worthwhile to try and make it correct instead of just functional.

I was seriously thinking about purchasing the molded firewall insulation pad from NPD too but ended up buying the cheap $30 one. I haven't put it on yet but I am preparing myself for the worst.

I am so sick of the junk restoration parts that are available I want to throw up! Perfect example, I ordered a simple little wiring harness gutter that mounts to the firewall for my 70 the other day and the @#*#*$ idiots can't even get the length right. It is about 3/4" longer than the original. I measured four original wiring gutters and they were all the same length. Needless to say the two mounting holes aren't even in the right spot to fit the factory holes in the firewall.

I am a Quality Manager for a USA company that makes aerospace parts and we hold tolerances 10 times smaller than a human hair. These made in China parts are so bad I get mad just thinking about it. I know if I was selling repro parts I would make darn sure they were right or I wouldn't sell them! There is nothing more frustrating to me than spending your good hard earned money on parts that are just plain JUNK!