William Buckley

I purchased a 1966 coupe with 327/300 motor and powerglide transmission a month ago. AC works, but the entire metal console cover including the transmission shift mechanism get so hot that it is uncomfortable to touch after driving the vehicle for a while. Transmission seems to be okay, but I am wondering if this is normal. I know that corvettes have an engine compartment heating problem, but this is a new one with the transmission hump putting out this much heat. Is this normal? Thanks

Nowhere Man

No it's not normal. Look on the underside above the trans and see if the factory insulation is in place

warrenmj

wmf62

there is a tremendous amount of engine compartment heat that passes under the floor and down the transmission tunnel. there are times that it is 'uncomfortable' to hold my hand on the shifter base or the floor. I have taken to propping the back of the hood up whenever in traffic or even on the road; lets that heat out faster/easier.

insulation is your friend... make sure you have at least all the factory insulation in place on the firewall and the transmission tunnel.

Bill

William Buckley

Thanks for the comments. My first impression also was that there must be missing insulation when the restoration was done.

KC John

I had the same problem when I first bought my car. What I did was pull the console and line it with the thin insulation that has foil on both sides (I got it at Home Depot). I couldn't wear shorts at first because the metal would burn my leg. Now I could put my cheek against it without hurting myself. It made a world of difference and I already had the insulation between the trans and the tunnel.

William Buckley

Thanks K.C. Excellent idea and easier to do than to try to get insulation between the transmission and the body. I will check mine the next time that it is on the rack, but will be visiting Home Depot.

Nowhere Man

just to note its normal for it all to be warm to the touch and after all it is metal and heat transfers easy. but its not normal to burn your self on it either.

pop23235

If you have a C2, there is an insulation blanket attached to the bottom of the tunnel, above the tranny. There should be two exhaust pipe metal heat shields attached to each exhaust pipe in the same area. They are warm, though!

sub006

Excuse my merriment, I do hope that "cheek" was on your face, not in the shorts you mentioned!

KC John

Can't say I blame you, we were in that general area.

Gary's '66

I used the same product that KC John did and it definitely does help. If, by chance, the stock transmission tunnel heat cover is missing NAPA sells a self adhesive backed thermal shield that you can use to help cover the underside of the tunnel until or unless you pull the transmission. Lastly, I used a thermal wrap (usually used on headers) that I ordered through Summit which also cut heat transfer dramatically since those two little tiny stock "heat shields" are, IMO pretty much useless.

Gary




The wrap actually goes all the way up to the manifolds but, harder to see 'cause I used a darker color to be less conspicuous. The stuff around the tunnel is from NAPA.







Home Depot foil insulation prior to new jute and carpet . Has an R factor and is produced for home ducting. Lightweight and very cheap!

Chuck Gongloff

Here's what you are likely missing


http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/131847248863?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true