Camaro firewall insulation
 

Does anyone have any tips for installing the rubber retainers for the firewall insulation? The retainers seem to be a bear to get in without ruining them.

I am sure there are a few ways of doing it, but this is how I do it. Get a Phillips screwdriver, and push that into the retainer to stretch it. Also put a smear of grease or silicone on the rubber part going through the firewall. Don't push too hard with screwdriver or it will poke through. Guess if you have an old Phillips you could round off the tip.

- Warren

I've had good luck with Dawn dish soap to make them slippery....Joe

I ground down the end of an old cheap phillips screwdriver to make it a smooth dome, so there was no point.

One of the most important things to remember is the need to push in two planes; push inside the tip and at the flange at the same time.

Fashion a Tool as fancy as this brass custom tool or even machine or grind down a screwdriver so it performs in the same manner.

Use: Isopropyl alcohol, Silicone Spray lube or Dish-soap, something to lubricate the installation.

I think it also 'depends' which version of the fastener you have, I have seen very brittle plastic version -vs- a more rubbery flexible style,,,,

Factory used dish soap, fwiw.

Each worker in the trim shop had a tool box and an apron with front pockets for tools also.

firewall fasteners
 

I have the good rubber fasteners. will grind down an old philips today and give it a try with the dish soap. Thx for the help. Tom

If you bought one of those cheep insulations they are a pain and don't line up the molded ones fit great and easy to install

firewall insulation
 

I do have the molded insulation. Tried to put fasteners in today and broke 2 even using the soap screwdriver method . Have to order more fasteners.