I've been making steady progress on my 1969 Camaro SS 350, and I have engine and drivetrain mostly worked out - so I've started moving towards cleaning up some of the amenities, like the ventilation system. I've run into one issue that I have had a surprisingly hard time figuring out, and I could use some help making sure I'm thinking in the right direction.

When I am driving the car, there is a steady stream of outside air coming in through the firewall near my feet. It's not coming from the lower vents, it feels like it's emanating from below the dashboard near the pedals. It only happens while the car is in motion (i.e. driving into the wind). It feels like it shouldn't be there, and I'm wondering how to plug the source.

I've identified two holes in the firewall, and I'm not sure if they're supposed to be blocked with some sort of panel. Looking at the factory assembly manuals and repair manuals didn't shed light on it for me. I could use some guidance, either that I need to leave them alone, or what they're called so I can find an appropriate plate to cover them up. I'm attaching a couple of pictures to illustrate what I'm talking about.

Any help is appreciated.


Holes in the firewall.

Closeup of the passenger side opening.