A few weeks ago I replaced the shifter rod bushing in my Vintage Speedster and noticed the inspection plate covering the front of the tunnel opening was missing or never installed. I thought Bingo, this is probably why I always felt a good amount of airflow coming from the emergency brake boot (though the driver's side slit for the heater lever) when driving the car on the highway.
So I sourced used original inspection plate ($3) and installed it with the gasket when I completed my shifter rod bushing replacement. I thought great, now on those cold days I just removed a source of cold air entering the cabin to make the anemic heating system better.
Wrong, driving the car today I felt the same airflow coming from the emergency brake boot as before. Installing the tunnel inspection cover made no difference!
Are there other sources where air can pretty freely enter the pan tunnel to cause such airflow. I have Goggled and looked at the pan and cannot see any obvious entry points.
If this is not normal, I would like to try to correct it, and any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you, Grant