Author Topic: Firewall Pad Life  (Read 4488 times)

CraigD

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Firewall Pad Life
« on: July 01, 2011, 17:56:52 »
My original firewall pad is in pretty good shape. Are there things that could be done to try to preserve it (other than not driving...)? Do you apply any conditioners or anything?
Craig
'70 280SL Euro
'55 300S Roadster
'29 Franklin Speedster
'37 Cord S/C Cabriolet (RHD)

49er

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Re: Firewall Pad Life
« Reply #1 on: July 01, 2011, 18:13:48 »
When my car was "young", I used Armor All on the firewall pad. Seemed to work pretty well. I am sure there are other similar, perhaps better products available today.

John
1969 280SL 003820
Un Restored, All Original, including the paint
Original Owner, Purchased September 18, 1968
4 speed manual, PS. 77217 miles
7280 miles since awoken from her 20+ yr "nap" in 2010

thelews

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Re: Firewall Pad Life
« Reply #2 on: July 01, 2011, 18:22:35 »
I think any protectant can't hurt.  Obviously, keep doing whatever you've been doing to maintain this quality material.

You're missing a hood bumper on the passenger side.
Enjoy some pictures at this link:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8292359@N06/sets/72157603240571101/show/

John - Wisconsin
1967 Early 250 SL Red/Caviar, Manual #1543
1961 190 SL 23K miles
1964 Porsche 356
1970 Porsche 911E
1991 BMW 318is
1966 Jaguar XKE
1971 Alfa Romeo GTV 1750

CraigD

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Re: Firewall Pad Life
« Reply #3 on: July 01, 2011, 20:42:51 »
Just went out to check that hood bumper... fortunately it's there, just left of the picture.   :D
Craig
'70 280SL Euro
'55 300S Roadster
'29 Franklin Speedster
'37 Cord S/C Cabriolet (RHD)

thelews

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Re: Firewall Pad Life
« Reply #4 on: July 01, 2011, 22:58:57 »
Just went out to check that hood bumper... fortunately it's there, just left of the picture.   :D

Of course, it's to the outside of the tag.  Whew, scare there!
Enjoy some pictures at this link:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8292359@N06/sets/72157603240571101/show/

John - Wisconsin
1967 Early 250 SL Red/Caviar, Manual #1543
1961 190 SL 23K miles
1964 Porsche 356
1970 Porsche 911E
1991 BMW 318is
1966 Jaguar XKE
1971 Alfa Romeo GTV 1750

wwheeler

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Re: Firewall Pad Life
« Reply #5 on: July 05, 2011, 20:24:44 »
I would recommend 303 aerospace protectrant. It has a UV sunscreen and doesn't have silicone. It is primarily used in the marine industry where sun damage is common. It doesn't have that super shiny, greasy finish either.

I had a friend who used Armor-all on his vinyl dash every week. Yes, that is excessive but the Armorall caused the dash to swell mostly around the edges. I have heard that the silicone in the armor-all eventually begins to degrade the material. 303 is about $20/quart so it isn't cheap. I use it on all my rubber parts. You can find it at boating places.
Wallace
Texas
'68 280SE W111 coupe
'60 220SE W128 coupe
'70 Plymouth Roadrunner 440+6

jaymanek

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Re: Firewall Pad Life
« Reply #6 on: July 06, 2011, 12:11:02 »
Im sure my chrome intake grille has 4 screws!

Jonny B

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Re: Firewall Pad Life
« Reply #7 on: July 06, 2011, 15:14:15 »
FWIW - just check mine (early 250 SL) and there are three screws holding the chrome cover.
Jonny B
1967 250 SL Auto, DB 568
1970 280 SL Auto, DB 904
1966 Morris Mini Minor