Gasket/Seal between Firewall and Heater box

[PNP]

Taking the opportunity to restore the firewall on my 68 SC Auto while I have the engine out. Soundproofing was completely degraded but once removed (quick hit with wire brush was all it took) I was happily surprised to find the firewall was structurally sound. Its now primed and the seam seal is curing before paint.

Have read a few threads re the gasket/seal between the bottom of the heater box and shelf but I'm wondering if there is any seal/s between the heater box and the vertical section of the fire wall. I'm replacing the original soundproofing with a rubberised spray coating. Do I need to put something between these two surfaces when I reinstall the heater?

 

[quattro]

I've never taken the heater out of a 68 2000, but I would assume it was similar to the V8.

This is the heater out of mine, and to the right of the pic you can see a soft foam/rubber gasket.

I hope that helps

 

[mtb_tuli]

Have done this some weeks ago. The lower seal (the horizontal one) was available via ebay, the upper one (vertical) I could not find new. My old one I have treated with Ballistol and reused. Both seals are very important, otherwise you will mix the airflows and the airflow is guided to the passenger´s area. Think, you can make a seal from cellular rubber. I can look for a photo showing the "rear" seal better. When you are working in this area, have a "deep" look into your lower air channels to check if there´s rust from water passing the bottom seal.

 

[PNP]

Thanks very much for your replies. I don't think anyone would have had the heater out in the past but there is absolutely no sign of this seal remaining either on the heaterbox or the firewall?

Should be able to fabricate one from the photo attached.

Thanks again

 

[mtb_tuli]

Here some more photos, also with and without the rear seal. Hope it helps.

 

[scherzando]

Here some more photos, also with and without the rear seal. Hope it helps.

Excellent photos - v helpful as I am about to embark on this project = Cheers John

 

[DAK]

My '68 TC did not have the flexible rubber seal on the vertical side of the heater and I am positive that there never was a seal of that type on my car. The seal on the vertical side of the heater was made using the same coated open cell foam used on the rest of the bulkhead but with the vinyl coating removed. I also tried to find the seals that must have been used on later cars and was unsuccessful. I ended up using closed cell foam with the appropriate cut outs and enough thickness to get a good seal between the bulkhead and heater box. So far, this seems to be working well. I think it really depends on the vintage of your car as to what you will find for the vertical seal.