Firewall/Cowl felt seal question

[Scott_Conger]

I have a '23 Runabout, low firewall, steel, that I am certain should have a felt seal across the top and around the top corners that seals the firewall to the cowl.

NOTE: this is NOT a question regarding the hood lacing

There are 5 rivet holes across the top of the firewall which I believe had rivets which held this felt.

Can anyone provide a picture/detail of the rivets, correctly installed, please?

FWIW, I will be augmenting this with 3M strip-caulk, but still would like to have the felt and rivets there...

Many thanks in advance

[RajoRacer]

Scott - I believe I read "somewhere" that the felt was the same material as the transmission cover felt - I know I've also seen a photo of it installed.

[Scott_Conger]

Thanks Steve

that would make sense given the fact that the gap is essentially "zilch". Mostly, I'm interested in knowing if the rivets used were tubular with backing washer or if it is the same clinch rivet that holds the hood lacing on...

I see that Lang's sells it, but do not see that it comes with the rivets, and my firewall clearly has 5 holes for them. Basically trying to see if what Mark did here is what I should be doing: http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/70 ... 1503871689

Well, Larry Smith has answered my question on another thread. It was 19" long, 1" wide and does appear to be held on with clinch style rivets.

I should have done my homework before I typed my request.

[Henry K. Lee]

Scott I have some assortments of various small rivets (tubular/split/etc) you are more than welcomed too when you find the correct type required.

Hank

[Scott_Conger]

Thank you Hank

we'll see in a bit if I need to contact you. That's very kind.

[JRSpada4]

I installed the felt from Lang’s on my 24 Runabout a couple years ago. They were split brass rivets in the kit.

[Original Smith]

I have a NOS felt. Up to 1924, they did use five rivets, In 1925, they went to three. Do not punch holes to install it. Only use a scratch awl or an ice pick. If you punch holes, they will not hold the rivet.

[R.V.Anderson]

The trouble with felt is that it will soak up water and the effect is like attaching a wet sponge to the steel. Not the best rust preventative in the world. FWIW, what I did on my own '23 was to run a narrow little bead of clear RTV along the joint. It was almost invisible from the get-go, and after a couple weeks' worth of road dust it WAS invisible.

[Scott_Conger]

R.V.

I read somewhere that this is what you did. I am increasingly inclined to RTV some rivets in place for appearance and do just what you're suggesting. I am going to experiment with PSA neoprene foam tape first and then make my decision. This is not a show car, though I want it to be as originally presentable as possible and since this is very nearly if not totally invisible, I am not averse to trying something non-stock.

I am very appreciative of the information and suggestions that I have recieved regarding this subject.

[Scott_Conger]

I am going to investigate this material: https://www.mcmaster.com/1601N103 or https://www.mcmaster.com/1601N109 as a non-adhesive alternative to the suggestion of sealing with RTV. I really like the idea of being able to remove the firewall in the future. I suspect that this width will conform to the gentle curve necessary to follow the cowl contour, as well as maintain a resiliant and waterproof seal. We'll see...

I like to stay original, but I agree with above comment regarding felt's ability to hold moisture, though Lord knows, there's precious little of that around here!