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Those black plastic pins that secure the firewell pad

hunt2elk

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Anybody have a good way to install those flippin' things? I always struggle with them, but eventually they go. Not on my current RR though. Hammer, punch and hammer, silicone spray. No, no, and no. Managed to break 2 already. Fresh paint on the car, so I am not going to drill out the holes. Think by cutting a slot into the shaft that goes through the metal would work and still hold?
 
I grease them up with silicon lube and popped them with a small plastic mallet while trying to steady them with my other hand - but still had some difficulty. Hard to get a controlled hit with the mallet up under the dash. If the dash is out that would help a lot. But I didn’t learn any real solution or trick for it.
 
Original ones are much better than the repop ones 2x..... plastic stronger on original ones...I agree with ar67gtx.... some spray lube helps :thumbsup:
 
I used a "blunt" rod that slid inside the plug and then pushed the whole thing in. Had to be a little careful about not punching a hole right out the backside. Normally slid in just fine. But these are rubber. Maybe I am thinking of the wrong fasteners or ones for a different year. If so, nevermind.

IMG_5561.jpg
 
Yes, the 66/67 pins are hard plastic with about 3 barbs on the end
 
I usually use a blunt pointed punch, but that sometimes too fails, as you've undoubtedly found out. Maybe soak them in hot water first, might soften up the plastic some.
 
That's what I was thinking. Or maybe a hair dryer.
 
I warmed them up a little bit with a hair dryer, then put a little bit of grease on them and used a small Phillips screwdriver that fit inside to push them through the firewall.
 
Yes, the 66/67 pins are hard plastic with about 3 barbs on the end
So are the 69 and 70's. Wish they were the rubber style.
 
I used a "blunt" rod that slid inside the plug and then pushed the whole thing in. Had to be a little careful about not punching a hole right out the backside. Normally slid in just fine. But these are rubber. Maybe I am thinking of the wrong fasteners or ones for a different year. If so, nevermind.

View attachment 1224283

Rubber versions came out about 1972 or 73 time frame


To answer the ops question
I drop them on a pan of hot water to warm them up. then push in with my hand , worked every time
 
Ended up getting them in by putting a bit of grease on the tip and tapping them with a hammer just to the first ridge. They wouldn't go any farther no matter what I did. Ended up breaking 2 of them by trying to force them. Then I went on the other side and pulled them through the rest of the way with a pair of pliers. Actually went pretty smooth.
 
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