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Seal between transmission tunnel and the forward bulkhead

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fishyboy

Jedi Hopeful
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Hi all,
As part of my re-carpeting of my BT7 (www.britishcarforum.com/bcf/showthread.php?100227-Carpeting-Austin-Healey-3000-1961-BT7) I am looking for some advice on the vertical seal between the transmission tunnel and forward bulkhead. Andrea in one of his excellent photos (below) shows this as a single flap on rubber rived to the bulk head. However, Rick Crylser describes it a " black rubber draught excluder piece is riveted into position on this panel with flat split rivets. This is an inverted "U" shaped piece of rubber, not unlike inner tube rubber, which is so shaped to drape around the gearbox and therefore cut down most of the hot air flow from passing back into the gearbox and drive shaft tunnel area".

Who is correct? is it a flap or inverted "U" piece.

Given I cannot source a new piece I will have to make one. What is the best material (bicycle inner tube perhaps)?

Thanks
Phil
 tunnel 1.JPG
 
Andrea's rubber piece is U shaped. I'm sure split rivets are correct.

Bicycle inner tubes are too small, too thin and will curve. You really should use a flat piece of rubber. It should be one piece, maybe 3/32" thick. You might get away with a truck inner tube.
 
.
This is my original BN7 seal. It is U-shaped and split rivited. I got an exact replacement from British Car Specialists
 
Tim
Thanks for the photo. The replacement does not appear to be available on this side of the pond. Ill try to fins some suitable rubber. Is the piece of rubber just fixed along in inner edge of the firewall? or are both free-ends of the U fixed. I assume the carpet is then glued ontop of the riveted rubber.
Phil
 
The carpet is glued to the other side of the small bulkhead over the rivet heads, not the rubber. The rubber is on the "inside" of the small bulkhead. The rivet heads are on the "outside". I don't understand your questions about the fixing of the rubber. I believe there are 6 rivets which fix the whole length of the rubber. But just do what makes sense to hold it in place. When the trans is installed, re-fit the small bulkhead with the rubber riveted in place and it will seal it. The carpeting will complete the job.

I can't resist adding that no one but you will know what materials or fastening you have used. Do what works for you.
 
Tim and Jedi
Many thanks. All now sorted.I was assuming the "U" shape was referring to the profile rather than the shape of the rubber sheet.
Phil
 
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