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Floor Plugs; Group 31-09, FLOOR AND UNDERBODY
Topic Started: Dec 23 2012, 06:24 PM (733 Views)
Rus Curtis
Member
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As mentioned in an earlier post about a drain hole plug,

http://z4.invisionfree.com/CJ3B_Bulletin_B...?showtopic=4452

I wanted to share more information on some rubber plugs that aren't easy to find. These plugs, like any rubber item, deteriorate over time. If left alone, they'll dry rot and become brittle. Throughout this long post, I'll have to make some assumptions.

The first plug is located within the cowl pillar on the floor pan.

Wade's cowl pillar
http://cj3b.info/Photos/Owners/Wade/CurtisPhotos/TubFloorCowl.JPG

I believe this is the Cowl Pillar Plug, part 674268, as best I can tell. This hole passes through the hat channel reinforcement. Since I have little documentation other than my trusty SM and PM, I deduced this hole had some sort of temporary use during assembly, i.e. for alignment (see also the holes up front under the toe board gusset that go through the hat channel). If so, once the tub was assembled, this hole needed plugging.

During disassembly, I couldn't remove the plug in one piece as it was brittle. From underneath I noticed it sticking out of the hat channel (hmmm – long plug). Since it was brittle, I decided to cut the head off and push it out through the bottom. What came out were 2 plugs, one stacked on top of the other. Without comparing multiple floors, I can only assume this was done originally to keep water out from the top and also from the bottom.

Posted Image



The other plug was found under the toolbox right next to the angled bend in the tub side panel. I think this is part 671564. It's the only other listed plug for the floor and both of these plugs are in the same group, 31-09 - FLOOR AND UNDERBODY.

Wade's plug from inside toolbox
http://cj3b.info/Photos/Owners/Wade/CurtisPhotos/ToolboxInside.JPG

Makes sense to me; the toolbox could hold water and the owner would need to have a way to drain it. My PO (I'm sure his intentions were good) punched 2 holes through the toolbox floor to assist with draining - with a rubber plug just inches away still intact. Amazing. Although, had he pushed the plug out, it no doubt would have been lost or not replaced and I would not know what to look for.

Like the other plug, this toolbox plug was brittle so I cut the flat head off as well to remove it.

Posted Image

Posted Image

Now I've got two different plugs (hard as rock) cut in half that needed replacing. First I needed a source for grommets and plugs. Google returned several sources but I spent most of my time surfing through Steele Rubber Products,

http://www.steelerubber.com/

What I initially liked about them was they listed specification sheets where you could look up plugs based on hole size and other dimensions.

Next, I needed to measure these removed plugs. I took several measurements from each. I also measured the holes the same way. Taking into consideration that the factory was probably trying save on production costs, I assumed these plugs wouldn't be odd or special, i.e. common sizes, and most probably were already available. So after allowing for slight deformation, I contacted them with questions.

After several conversations with a company representative, I placed an order. These are the plugs I received.

Posted Image

Posted Image
As you can see there are some minor differences in appearance but they do fit in the holes. I have completed several "test fits" to see if they would work - they look good and fit snuggly. The only thing I need to do is order another pair of plugs for the cowl pillar hole so I can plug the bottom of the hat channel as well as the floor pan above.

I see that Steele Rubber Products' website has changed recently. Instead of being able to look up specs, they now want you to look up items by vehicle. I tried this and wasn't surprised the selection was limited. UPDATE (4 Apr 2018): The dimensions of their products is available through their website! Click on 'Universal Parts' and download the PDF Catalog. The information is in there.

I want to call them and see if this is something they want to list for our jeeps but that will have to wait till next year. UPDATE (4 Apr 2018): I did talk with them today and will post below what I learn.
Edited by Rus Curtis, Apr 4 2018, 01:21 PM.
Rus Curtis
Alabama
'54 CJ-3B "Green Gruntt"
Bantam T3-C
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Larry (TX)
Member
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Russ, I have just recently purchased some similar looking plugs for my CJ7 from Lynn Steele and the products fit perfectly for the application I needed.

Actually, I've been buying from Lynn for a number of years when restoring old Chevy trucks as his rubber products for that purpose also always fit.
Larry Steed
Pearland, Texas
'53 Willys CJ3B
'52 Willys M38
'86 Chevy M1009 CUCV (K5 4x4 Military Blazer)
M100 1/4 ton jeep trailer
M416 1/4 ton jeep trailer (2 ea.)
M101 CDN 1/4 ton jeep trailer
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Bob W
Member
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Rus Curtis,Dec 23 2012
06:24 PM
I believe this is the Cowl Pillar Plug, part 674268, as best I can tell.  This hole passes through the hat channel reinforcement.  Since I have little documentation other than my trusty SM and PM, I deduced this hole had some sort of temporary use during assembly, i.e. for alignment (see also the holes up front under the toe board gusset that go through the hat channel).  If so, once the tub was assembled, this hole needed plugging. 


Thanks for searching out these rubber plugs!

For what it's worth, CJ-2As and early CJ-3As had a bolt in this hole. In the parts list the bolt was a "strainer" bolt.
Bob W
www.cj3a.info
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Rus Curtis
Member
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I don't doubt there are vendors who offer these plugs for older jeeps, I just couldn't find them (over the years I have noted some other parts being added, by more progressive vendors like Walck's that weren't available when I started my rebuild). From the posted info, you can see these plugs don't indicate they fit a CJ3B. I like options. I intend to contact Steele to discuss what I've found.

Bob, interesting to know about the "strainer bolt" as no doubt things change from one model to the next. What about the toolbox drain plug?

As always, more info is better. If you have replaced your plugs in the past, please share your info. If you choose to use these, post your feedback on how they work.

Note: I'm still a month or so from getting my tub painted but will post when I get everything in position.
Rus Curtis
Alabama
'54 CJ-3B "Green Gruntt"
Bantam T3-C
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