Mileage: 88,493
Now that I had the correct carpet and it was installed, I could FINALLY start putting parts back on the car! The first part was the driver’s side kick panel. This part has a calk type material that seals the kick panel to the sheet metal behind it to prevent leaks from the vent opening hole (which was used in earlier model Firebird, but not mine, hence the kick panel). I first had to scrape and strip all this old calk material off, clean the surface with carb cleaner, and wipe it down with 409 (a great degreaser!).
The product I decided to use to replace the original calk material is call “Thumb Gum Putty.” It is a material used by HVAC technicians to seal the hole around the air conditioning lines run into your house. You can pretty much mold it to the shape you want it and it stays sticky. It is water proof and can deal with extreme temperatures very well. I tried to find a website or link to post about this product but couldn’t find one. I would imagine you would be able to get this product, or something like it, at any HVAC supply company. I have heard that “big box” home improvement stores do not carry it. I am lucky enough that my brother Michael works in the HVAC industry and supplied me with what I needed! I simply rolled the material out and lined the opening with it. Simple!
After I got the Thumb Gum installed, I carefully fitted the newly dyed kick panel into position and pressed it into the putty. After installed the kick panel screws, I reinstalled the parking brake assembly and nicely tucked the new carpet under the kick panel!
What a great feeling finally having some interior panels installed! I think it looks great!
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