The International Cessna^® 170 Association

The cabin heater valve/ plate assembly p#0713019-85 is composed of two pieces of aluminum with some flexible material riveted between them. I don't find a description of the material sandwiched between them. This is the part that has a shaft going through it which is activated by operating the cabin heater knob on the instrument panel. I showed it to a mechanic who ventured an opinion that the material was fiberglass impregnated silicon. Mine has begun to go bad and I am looking to see if anyone can offer a suggestion what this material may be and where I might find it or a suitable substitute. Hoping NAPA or some similar supply house might have something that can be riveted back between the two metal pieces.

I have been rebuilding them for years using this material.
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/a ... 8071-3.php
I generally manufacture new plates to go on either side of the material because the holes are expanded beyond their nominal diameter when originally riveted. It often takes two pieces of baffling material which I divide in half from left to right across the plates. Works good lasts a long time

I did the same as Metal Master except I used THIS stuff. It's practically indestructible:
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/a ... lseals.php