Firewall Pad Life

[CraigD]

My original firewall pad is in pretty good shape. Are there things that could be done to try to preserve it (other than not driving...)? Do you apply any conditioners or anything?

[49er]

When my car was "young", I used Armor All on the firewall pad. Seemed to work pretty well. I am sure there are other similar, perhaps better products available today.

John

[thelews]

I think any protectant can't hurt.  Obviously, keep doing whatever you've been doing to maintain this quality material.

You're missing a hood bumper on the passenger side.

[CraigD]

Just went out to check that hood bumper... fortunately it's there, just left of the picture.   

[thelews]

Just went out to check that hood bumper... fortunately it's there, just left of the picture.   

Of course, it's to the outside of the tag.  Whew, scare there!

[wwheeler]

I would recommend 303 aerospace protectrant. It has a UV sunscreen and doesn't have silicone. It is primarily used in the marine industry where sun damage is common. It doesn't have that super shiny, greasy finish either.

I had a friend who used Armor-all on his vinyl dash every week. Yes, that is excessive but the Armorall caused the dash to swell mostly around the edges. I have heard that the silicone in the armor-all eventually begins to degrade the material. 303 is about $20/quart so it isn't cheap. I use it on all my rubber parts. You can find it at boating places.

[jaymanek]

Im sure my chrome intake grille has 4 screws!

[Jonny B]

FWIW - just check mine (early 250 SL) and there are three screws holding the chrome cover.