CSX rear roll bar grommet?

dcdoug · #1 (**permalink**) 07-14-2009, 06:44 PM

My CSX doesn't have a grommet for the rear roll bar stay where it goes into the trunk. So water can go into the trunk when it rains or if I am not careful when washing the car. The front hoop ends have grommets. Strange. I am told this is normal. Where can I get one?

Thanks.

Rick Parker · #2 (**permalink**) 07-14-2009, 07:00 PM

3/8" thin wall radiator overflow hose slit lengthwise and then fit around the opening, windshield washer hose may work also, depending if body is glass or aluminum (body thickness). I did this for a grommet on the decklid for fuel filler cap. Cut the ends straight and use a little super glue to secure the ends together after fitting for length, works good.

dcdoug · #3 (**permalink**) 07-14-2009, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Parker

Thin wall radiator hose slit lengthwise and then fit around the opening, windshield washer hose may work also, depending if body is glass or aluminum (body thickness). I did this for a grommet on the decklid for fuel filler cap. Cut the ends straight and use a little super glue to secure the ends together after fitting for length, works good.

It's a glass body. Sounds interesting. May give it a shot this weekend.

patrickt · #4 (**permalink**) 07-14-2009, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcdoug

It's a glass body. Sounds interesting. May give it a shot this weekend.

Or by a pair of grommets from Cobra Restorers for $4.00 and combine/cut them for the elongated rear brace fit. Part #CP1076.

dcdoug · #5 (**permalink**) 07-14-2009, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

Or by a pair of grommets from Cobra Restorers for $4.00 and combine/cut them for the elongated rear brace fit. Part #CP1076.

This should work great. Thanks.

REAL 1 · #6 (**permalink**) 07-15-2009, 08:37 PM

You can make a grommet as noted above but I don't believe original comp and SCs had grommets around that openning.

dcdoug · #7 (**permalink**) 07-16-2009, 06:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REAL 1

You can make a grommet as noted above but I don't believe original comp and SCs had grommets around that openning.

I think you are right, but I might make this update to be practical and keep water out of the trunk.........

patrickt · #8 (**permalink**) 07-16-2009, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcdoug

I think you are right...

Doug, FWIW in Trevor's book First 40 Years the very first full page picture in the book, on page 8, of the beautiful red S/C, across from the "Introduction" page, has a grommet on the brace bar. For something as minor as a grommet, I think that "opens the door" to calling it original.

Now admittedly I'm the last person to preach about originality, but some little things like a grommet can really make a difference in whether the car looks "finished" or not -- regardless of whether it is truly original or not. Here's a shot of my grommet to kind of help you judge. C'mon, it's not like you're putting a glove box in a race dash.

And, of course, dual roll bars are simply "off the chart."

REAL 1 · #9 (**permalink**) 07-16-2009, 09:50 AM

Uh, Patrickt: We need to know if the red SC in Trevors book was restored at any time. We are talking about cars over 40 years old. I'm talking about how they left SAI in comp and SC form originally. Again. I don't think they had a grommet.

I'd have to research it but don't have the time right now.

I'm sure someone here knows the answer. But I think I'm right. Again...

patrickt · #10 (**permalink**) 07-16-2009, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REAL 1

Uh, Patrickt: We need to know if the red SC in Trevors book was restored at any time. We are talking about cars over 40 years old. I'm talking about how they left SAI in comp and SC form originally. Again. I don't think they had a grommet.

My grommet has a slit in the front, barely visible, that makes it removable. Doug, if anybody gives you shi_ about your grommet, you can politely remove it, hand it to them, and invite them to shove it up their a$$.

dcdoug · #11 (**permalink**) 07-16-2009, 11:35 AM

I love that on this site we can have a 10 post thread on just a single grommet. I love the passion. Oh, I will be doing a grommet for sure, just need to figure out the best way. Someone can always take it out if I sell the car, but I'll keep the water out of my trunk in the meantime. Thanks to everyone for their suggestions (more are welcome if you have them)!

patrickt · #12 (**permalink**) 07-16-2009, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcdoug

I love that on this site we can have a 10 post thread on just a single grommet. I love the passion.

Truth be told, I'm a little sensitive on the grommet issue.

My rotary wiper knob got me in to the SAAC Registry, but then they saw the grommet and tossed me. Yep, I missed it by just that much.

REAL 1 · #13 (**permalink**) 07-16-2009, 09:17 PM

I quite frankly don't care about the gromet either. I also put one on my car but I don't think the originals came that way from the factory. Makes it look a little more finished.

Maybe I'll remove mine this weekend.

computerworks · #14 (**permalink**) 07-16-2009, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REAL 1

I also put one on my car but I don't think the originals came that way from the factory. Makes it look a little more finished.

Maybe I'll remove mine this weekend.

Comp and SC had no grommet on the downtube. Many people who actually drive their car in all weather usually put a grommet there.

If you are taking the grommet out to make the car more authentic, you might also remove your CD player.

Power Surge · #15 (**permalink**) 07-16-2009, 10:18 PM

Like Ron said, no grommet on original cars.

Not sure I see the big deal either. I've got no rear grommet and it's not a big issue. I wash my car and I've been caught in torrential downpours and the cockpit getting water soaked is way more of a problem than a little water past the rear bar. I just throw a towel under it in the trunk when I wash the car.