40's Dash pads modifications-firewall insulator

[gary griffin]

Closing in on completing my 1942-6719 restoration and think I will reuse the dash pad from my parts car.  It is in fair shape, and I am planning on gluing a layer of fiberglass cloth to the back for strength as it is fragile and wanting to tear.

   Next I plan on gluing on the original matting material.  In my business we use foam rubber impregnated with lead to deaden noise from fans and pumps.

  This should make the car even quieter than it ever was?

   The weight of the lead really effectively stops sound. I have some left over from my business and I am considering adding it to the dash pad on the firewall side, or even between the original matting and the black fiber board fascia of the dash pad.  I doubt it would be noticeable by judges if the car is ever shown.

One concern if fumes if there is ever a fire??

Can anybody recommend a good coating for the inside face of the dash pad??

Any comments and ideas will be appreciated!! I am trying to remain authentic as much as possible and make it as pleasurable to drive as possible also.

UPDATE,NOW I am considering purchasing a reproduction but do not know if the firewall in the series 67 is the same as the series 61, 62, and 75 that the vendors say their pad will fit.

Are the firewalls the same on all models??

[Steve Passmore]

Dash Pad Gary? are you referring to the Firewall insulator?  if so reproductions were on eBay recently.

[gary griffin]

I saw that Steve but I am trying to build a "Super Dash Pad" looking correct but with superior sound deadening features. A 1/4 inch thick vinyl and foam rubber pad loaded with lead absorbs a lot of sound.  A slight problem is that the lead impregnated rubber and vinyl padding I am planning to use has been in my warehouse a long time and the foam rubber is flaking off. I will try a spray on glue and see if I can stabilize it and if not I will probably just buy the new one on eBay.

[gary griffin]

Steve, I checked eBay and they are for a series 62. I am not sure if they are the same??

I wonder if there are other vendors reproducing these?

[Caddy Wizard]

Personally, I would put a modern sound deadener under the dash pad.  So something like Dynamat or FatMat or similar.  That will make the firewall  even quieter.  Then cover that with a new firewall insulator panel that is available as a reproduction (it will further dampen sound and heat and will look original to boot).  I usually do this with floors, doors, trunks, etc. and the car becomes much quieter and more comfortable.  Pictures from my first 49, a lovely car now in CT...

[Steve Passmore]

This company has them listed Gary.

http://www.quietride.com/catalogpdfs/cadillac_fw_catalog.pdf