Double grommet installation-1981 rabbit

[doonboggle]

To install my 'new' heater system, have to install a new double grommet for the 2 hot water hoses due to the original one being rotten.  Have gotten one from Busdepot.com.  To install it, one needs to contort themselves into the footwell of the cabin, or bend over all the mounted items on the drivers side.  Both are very stressful ... as in the simple action of getting the grommet installed.

It has a small grove lip on one side and a large one on the other side.

I'd be interested in all comments of how others have installed this item.  I recognize that it needs to be started from one side or the other ... but which one did you use?

And how did you get it installed?  It seems to be a huge PITA, so hopefully someone has some suggestions.
Thanks

[mystery3]

Have you taken the seats out? It gives you a lot more room to maneuver down there. Pull the seats and lay a sleeping bag or an old comforter or a bunch of towels, lay down and go to work.

[doonboggle]

Not yet.  That's one of the things I have 'on hold' for now ... so thought would seek any and all other suggestions.  One fellow over on Fortitude has used soap in the past, so am looking forward to his description, etc.  Having a fused spine is a b***h for these tight squeeze types of jobs....IMO.
Thanks

Have you taken the seats out? It gives you a lot more room to maneuver down there. Pull the seats and lay a sleeping bag or an old comforter or a bunch of towels, lay down and go to work.

[rabbitman]

Mine went in from the firewall side and yes it was a pain and I'm not even very old yet jk.

I wadded up under the steering wheel and with the hoses out of the way pulled it through with my fingers.

[GEE-BEE]

SILICONE SPRAY THE HOSE ASSYS AND THE GROMMET FROM THE FIREWALL SIDE...

GB

[fatmobile]

I wonder if you could put cord in the grove,
 set one side in and zip the rest in with the cord,..
 like rubber windshield seals.

 Pull the cord and the lip hops up over the metal.

[doonboggle]

'Funny' you mention that fat.  Had read up on installing a w/s before, and thought of that as well.  But before trying it, thought I'd try the soap comment ... same as the silicone one.

After dousing it in liquid soap, and struggling for almost an hour ... bent over double with the coolant overflow jug cutting into the chest, and the spine yelling, I gave up and went inside to take a break ... and beer.  Wife asked if she could help; so said, "Sure.  But I doubt if you'll be able to get it in either."

Well, she ... with her non-arthritic fingers, got in in within 10 minutes.

Talk about being embarrassed... that's not enough to describe it.  She said her fingers are more limber than mine, which is true, and she could maneuver and twist things around whereas I cannot.

So, REALLY APPRECIATE ALL THE SUGGESTIONS !!!  Very much !!!

Grommet is in.......

Next gotta line up the 'new' heater system with the dash tubes, so that I can attach it down to the 'whatever' it takes.

I wonder if you could put cord in the grove,
 set one side in and zip the rest in with the cord,..
 like rubber windshield seals.

 Pull the cord and the lip hops up over the metal.

[GEE-BEE]

Use silicone coolant on your heater hose to heater core , you will never replace it again

Aircraftspruce.com

I sell to them in 1/2-5/8 & 3/4 I.D.

GB

[ldeikis]

Glad you got  it in.

For anyone else--using dental floss wrapped a couple times in the groove, then pulled through the way you install old windshields works amazingly well on getting fussy grommets in.  I don't screw with even remotely stubborn ones without that technique.

Luke

[GEE-BEE]

In the future I might have these made in black silicone, easier install and a lifetime product compared to epdm rubber...

GB