Thanks for the props and encouragement! (What's the Minnesota expression for "Aw, shucks"?)

Since I got my bird 7 years ago with the A/C disconnected and some pieces missing, I've been researching and reading to find out what I have and what parts are missing. Now that I have the car apart to fix a bunch of stuff, it is time to finally collect the remaining pieces so I can get the A/C working again. Since the car is apart, it is much easier to document the system.

Mark - excellent question about the firewall pad! I wondered about that too when I took my heater box off, removed the firewall insulation, and was looking to buy a replacement firewall pad. My pad stops just short of the heater box, but the replacements I see cover the whole firewall.

I don't think anyone had ever had the heater box off of my car before so I think my pad is untouched, but I can't be sure. The pad stops just before the heater box and the right edge looks relatively crisp, straight, and "factory" so I don't think there was a section behind the heater box that fell off or was torn off. Also, there is the thick rubber gasket that goes around the outer edge of the heater box. It makes sense to me that the rubber gasket would seal against the firewall metal. Maybe the replacement pads extend behind the heater box and can act as gasket in case the original rubber gasket is too far gone? It would also add a bit more heat and noise insulation.

Here is a picture of my original pad next to a replacement pad. I still haven't decided whether I will install the whole pad, or if I will cut it at the heater box.

I ended up returning this pad (the Ames more expensive molded one). Even though it was advertised as for 67-69, the fuse block shape is different for 67s and 68-69. The 67 fuse blocks are tall rectangular shape with mounting screws at the upper left and lower right. 68-69 fuse blocks are more square with mounting screws at upper right and lower left. It just wouldn't work for me. Some brands of pads are cut for 67s, some are cut for 68-69, and some are scored for both and you remove the cutout shape you need for your car.

I ended up buying an unmolded "Re-pops" brand with the correct cutout for my 67.

Pete

Original Firewall Pad


Old and new pads


Fuse block different shapes