74 charger big block RF inner fender masticated rubber shield

[CHGRSE74]

I recently installed the large rubber shield on the R inner fender…after installation it is quite close to the header, maybe about 9/16” clearance. The shield originated from Classic Industries, and made of masticated rubber. Is this too close? How heat tolerant is this material? This shield was not on when I picked up the car, maybe this is why. How close does the OEM manifold come to this shield?
Thanks all.

 

[Takoctopus]

The original shield in mine has a hole about the size of a golf ball melted through it, so I’m guessing pretty close. My engine is still out or would have a picture for you, hopefully someone else chimes in

 

[CHGRSE74]

Thanks Takoctopus. This is good to know. I will post a pic tomorrow to show how close it actually is. With the upper control arm right there it is impossible to gain any more clearance. It also looks like the shielding holes don’t line up properly in relation to the holes in the body, this causes a bit of a ripple or distortion in the rubber. I will also reach out to Classic Industries to see what they say. I guess I may have to take it out unfortunately. Hey Takoctopus, did you have headers on the engine???

 

[CHGRSE74]

pics attached

 

[Takoctopus]

Thanks Takoctopus. This is good to know. I will post a pic tomorrow to show how close it actually is. With the upper control arm right there it is impossible to gain any more clearance. It also looks like the shielding holes don’t line up properly in relation to the holes in the body, this causes a bit of a ripple or distortion in the rubber. I will also reach out to Classic Industries to see what they say. I guess I may have to take it out unfortunately. Hey Takoctopus, did you have headers on the engine???

Mine doesn’t have headers, cast iron stock manifolds. I was thinking of making mine from rubber sheet that I have for roofing. It’s material I have around that I can experiment wish to get a tighter fit.