Firewalled
Several weeks ago we went to install a "firewall cover" purchased from Classic Parts (#42-011R) and manufactured by a company in Arkansas called Repops. The cover is a jute-backed rubber pad for the upper firewall area that not only improves the appearance but should offer a measure of heat and sound insulation. The original was some sort fiber board. There are also molded ABS plastic ones available but they are spendy.
After notching it to clear the aftermarket Vintage Air HVAC system previously installed we fastened it at one one and stretched it across only to find it came up short - with no way to make it work.
We sent several photos with dimensions to Repops hoping for some answers and a solution. To their credit, they responded promptly and promised to send another pad thinking maybe the one I had received had been mislabeled, or something.
It arrived in a few days and after pulling it out of the box, we found it was exactly the same as the first. We politely let them know in an email but they didn't respond. A couple of follow-up emails later - still nothing. In fact they went silent for the next few weeks. (Okay, there were a couple of holidays in there and I could have phoned but, paper trails are good).
In a last ditch effort we created a drawing with dimensions and reached out once again with a plea for some kind of answer or suggestion. This time our message was acknowledged, though with a tepid promise to speak with 'so-and-so'.
The next day though we got a message saying they had 'found' another die they thought would work a lot better. Yaaaaaay!
In a few days a freshly cut pad arrived and upon inspection it was indeed better: two inches longer, the notch for the steering column correctly located, with knockouts for the original, optional accessory heater system if needed as a bonus.
Curious, we went to their website to see if we could find a product that matched the same shape and found another product that did. It was also intended for the same truck make, model and year (1947-1953 Chevy/GMC Truck). The only difference is that it is jute padding only - not jute glued to rubber.
Below you can see to original pad (CT327) laid over the replacement which is based on another product that uses a different die.
We notched this pad to fit around the modern HVAC system already installed. Here you can see the various provided knockouts for the original but optional heater system.
Once installed the replacement jute-backed rubber pad (based on #CT529) spans the firewall. The notch for the steering column is in the right spot. It's a little strained across the hump but for all intents and purposes will work fine. The barbed fasteners that come included with the pads are ridiculously long. There were only two holes that needed longer ones and they will still need to be trimmed down on the engine side. We used shorter push pin style nylon fasteners with larger heads from the auto parts store.
What's a little concerning is, it appears Repops has been selling the undersized, incorrect fitting pad (#CT327) through dealers like Classic Parts, LMC Truck, JEGS, and possibly others for who knows how long. Perhaps the pattern for it was pulled from a much earlier firewall with no hump. We just don't know. If they're sitting on shelves they should probably be recalled just to save folks time and headaches.
This information is posted here as a service to readers and we credit Repops for stepping up to address our issue with the product. We have no idea what Repops plans to do going forward. Hopefully, they'll use the correct die and update the product photo for #CT327 on their website to match. When we learn such news we'll update this post.
Until then, if your order one of these for your '47-'53 Chevy truck and it doesn't fit - this is why.