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Does anyone know of a good source for the button retainers that hold the insulation under dash to the firewall?

You can use the modern type of push through buttons. They are generally available at parts stores. The originals were metal and had a spreading flat spring to secure the pad the cowl wall. Ask David Flack.

(o{}o)

correct. the original split shank push pins are not available, and even if they were, you can get a better fit with the newer fasteners. The plastic "christmas tree" style. Problem is, the major chain auto stores sell them in a pack of two, or a mixed pack for more than they are worth. Better bet is to make friends with the manager of your local large auto body repair shop - they will have a cabinet full of them, they come in a few different sizes, and grab a handful in exchange for some cash, lunch, or a favor. After you get your pad where you want it, you can clip off the excess close to the firewall.

Many Thanks to JW and Flackmaster for the info. I find the original ones to be a real pain to work with. I'll look for the ones you recommended.

Try looking thru the Au-ve-co website - they provide most of the ones to the industry. Take the Flackmaster's advice and look thru the bins at the hardware store, or painting supply houses and see if you can find one that would work, and then order a bag from Au ve co.

here's the website
auveco.com/product/auto.html

look under Xmas tree retainers

No idea what size the originals were but might check out McMaster-Carr.mcmaster.com/#ribbed-shank-rivets/=uyywzg Their items called "ribbed shank rivets" appear to be the christmas tree push in clips but don't know if theirs are long enough to accommodate the padding in the diameter you need. Napa might also have something that would work. My local store has a rack of miscellaneous modern body trim supplies including assorted clips and retainers.

Thanks to all of you for this information. I appreciate everyone being so helpful.

Looking at the Kanter website today, I noticed that they had them for sale for $2.50 each.

Thank you David !