Replace Firewall Pad Advice

[JohnnyC]

Hello Pagoda Friends,  I am in process of refurbishing the engine compartment on a '70 280SL, repainting, cad-plating the hardware, front suspension rebuild, and engine rebuild).  Also, If there is anyone in the North County San Diego Area that can come to my house you are welcome view of my project and provide advice, that would be greatly appreciated.  This Pagoda was my fathers whom has since passed away, and I intend to keep this for weekend driving and going car events (PagodaFest, Carlsbad).

My present question is..., what is the availability of firewall padding. And should I replace the original padding.

I'm fairly new to this Group, but have been reading posts for the past  few years.  Thank you to all for such awesome comradery with these wonderful cars.

Cheers and God Bless
JohnnyC.

[JamesL]

Hey Johnny

Try this thread from last month - links included as to who is supplying what. https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=28318.0
My guess would be if you are refreshing the whole engine bay and subframe, a period firewall pad will look (to your eyes) awful. So replace it

[JohnnyC]

Thank you James.  I would think replacing the firewall pad would be best at this time also.  I'm not making a concours restoration, just a very nice resto that's presentable and a reliable driver. 

Cheers and God Bless,
JohnnyC.

[JohnnyC]

James, Et al,  Looks like there a quite a few links to choose from, thank you.  Seems like the one to get is from Vintage Euro Parts in Valencia Calif. Would you agree? 

Thank you,
JohnnyC.

[mrfatboy]

Make sure you get the "concourse" version if you buy from VEP.

[johnk]

Authentic classics has a very nice firewall pad. Bought mine earlier this year and I am very happy with it.

[114015]

....I would think replacing the firewall pad would be best at this time also.

Nope, Jonny B C...! 

Definitely disagree here. 
On your (early) pics your firewall insulation mat looks absolutely perfect / stuning.
There is absolutely no need to replace it.
Remember, they are unique, even the concours quality of Vintage Euro Parts looks slightly different - and you can see the difference. 

For us others - who don't have a good original one anymore - yes for sure, let's go with the VEP part.

But not you.
Just keep yours. They are original only once.

You can even carefully take it off - look on Brian Peters homepage (motoringinvestments.com) how to do that  - or even ask him. His shop is not too far away from you.
He did remove original firewall insulation pads several times for restoration purposes - undamaged - and put/glued them back after restoration.

Just my 2 cents ....

Achim
(only with debris remnants of his original firewall pad)

[66andBlue]

I have to second Achim's impassioned plea, don't replace what you have, it looks quite nice.
Or do as he suggested and ask Brian Peters how to peel of the surface layer and then glue it on again with perhaps some new backing material.
But if you must have a new pad get the original material from Authentic Classics as JohnK (reply #6) mentioned:
https://www.authenticclassics.com/Firewall-Pad-Set-LHD-250SL-280SL-NO-VIN-TAG-p/auth-003538.htm

[Peter h]

You can take the original pat and clean it.
Its a easy job.
Peter

[JohnnyC]

Thank you all for your input and advice.  I agree the best idea is to retain the original, clean and reapply. 

Question..., what is a good adhesive, contact cement?

Cheers and thank you,
JohnnyC

[mrfatboy]

To to Jonny's question what products are used for cleaning and restoring the pad?  Is that a jar of carnuba wax I see in the picture?

[Peter h]

For the later shining maguiars tire shine
Be careful.
I take Adhesive clue.
m.fugendichtband24.de/EPDM-Zellkautschuk-Matten-1mm-Staerke-einseitig-selbstklebend-diverse-Abmessungen.htm
Peter

[JamesL]

https://www.fugendichtband24.de/EPDM-Zellkautschuk-Matten-1mm-Staerke-einseitig-selbstklebend-diverse-Abmessungen.htm

It's a bit cheaper than we're used to!