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Old Nov 5, 2012 | 03:56 PM
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Default 68 underbody insulation

Hey all,

Just getting ready to put the trans back in after rebuild. All of the old insulation was pretty tore up and useless, so it got ripped out.

I figured the AIM would show what should be there, but B6 only shows the trans tunnel insulation (which I have already bought). I am looking for information on the insulation that fits behind the front splash shields, and how they are attached to the area under the seats.

Some vendors sell a metal plate that is supposed to be attached to the area under the seat and hold the insulation in. There is no evidence of these plates on my car anymore......nor do I see the supposed brackets that hold the plates in.

i'm a bit lost, but I know there are some 68 guru's out here.

What I am actually looking for is a nice diagram/picture/step-by-step that shows how what is supposed to be there for a late model '68 so I know what I need to purchase to get this thing back together.

Thanks,

Rich
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Old Nov 5, 2012 | 04:09 PM
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Hey Rich

I am not an expert on late '68 because mine is an early (April) '69 in regards to underbody insulation. Mine had everything, from the tunnel insulation to the white plastic toe boards to the parkerized metal floor pan covers, with the foil insulation underneath.

All I can tell you is that if your car had it all, you will still have the pointed metal tabs wherever the foil insulation was attached. They were riveted to the fiberglass floor...so if they were ever there and later removed...the rivet holes would still be there. I have pictures if you need them.

BTW - I was stationed at NAS Glenview from '69 to '72. If you go to the remants of Hangar One, I worked the flight line out of that circular corner that was retained intact.
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Old Nov 5, 2012 | 04:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Faster Rat
Hey Rich

I am not an expert on late '68 because mine is an early (April) '69 in regards to underbody insulation. Mine had everything, from the tunnel insulation to the white plastic toe boards to the parkerized metal floor pan covers, with the foil insulation underneath.

All I can tell you is that if your car had it all, you will still have the pointed metal tabs wherever the foil insulation was attached. They were riveted to the fiberglass floor...so if they were ever there and later removed...the rivet holes would still be there. I have pictures if you need them.

BTW - I was stationed at NAS Glenview from '69 to '72. If you go to the remants of Hangar One, I worked the flight line out of that circular corner that was retained intact.

Thanks for the reply! Yeah, the little metal tabs are there that hold the actual insulation up. Still had some remnants of it (enough to make me itch while getting the trans down ) My main question is geared towards the metal plates that were mounted below the seats under the car. It looks like the new insulation that is sold is supposed to be partially behind the plastic firewall shields, folded up to meet in the mmiddle of the top of the trans tunnel, and continue down beneath the seat area and supported by these metal plates.

I dont make it out to the Glen (ex NAS Glenview) that often any more. Next time I am out there I will check it out though!

~Rich
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Old Nov 5, 2012 | 04:27 PM
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This was posted recently:


Look closely; everything is there. Heat shields, splash shields, brackets, and (under the heat shields) a little bit of the underbody blanket insulation can be seen.

Everything except the blanket insulation is shown in the AIM. I've never known why the blankets are not in the AIM.

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Old Nov 5, 2012 | 04:35 PM
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Thanks for the pic. Looks like I need to order the brackets, plates, etc.

Another question now.

What is the difference between this

http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1968-1969.html

and this

http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1968-1969.html

Anyone have any insight?

Thanks,

~Rich
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Old Nov 5, 2012 | 05:40 PM
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I bought my insulation from Paragon. The floor insulation was similar to the second choice you posted from Ecklers. It was stiff and you actually had to bend it. This stuff is very difficult to install. My metal tabs would break off and when you puncture the foil, it leaves the yellow fiberglass exposed to the elements. I ended up going to Home Depot and buying a roll of aluminum tape to cover up all of my indiscretions. Probably not factory production, but what the heck. I plan on driving my car.

Be careful when working under the car...with all those pointed metal tabs hanging down. I backed into one and took a large hunk of meat out of my arm.

Anyhow, here are some pictures:










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Old Nov 5, 2012 | 07:37 PM
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I bought my insulation from paragon as well. Same as faster rat. I got it last spring and have not installed it yet. It appears it wraps up into the trans tunnel? My trans tunnel insulation is beat up and figured I would do it all at once if I ever pull the trans out. Like you said, not in the assembly manual. I called the vendor for some help on install and got none. I did replace most of the metal tabs. It wasn't too bad. Grind the rivet heads from the top side and punch them out. I used pop rivets.

As a side note, I started that project to reduce heat. The car was miserable to drive in the summer. I replaced the carpet and installed a heat barrier from paragon under the carpet. It made a HUGE difference in temp. That and I suspect heat was coming up through a torn lower shiter boot. Much more enjoyable even on hot days. I'm in no rush to install the blankets due to the lower temps.. https://www.paragoncorvette.com/p-35...ation-kit.aspx
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Old Nov 5, 2012 | 07:53 PM
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Don't forget the foam collar that goes between the bell housing and tunnel. Without it and a torn lower shifter boot, hot air is forced into the console.
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Old Nov 6, 2012 | 12:03 PM
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I've got an early '69 and it's got all the do-dads shown in Easy Mike's pic. Each of the four shields (two plastic, two metal) has its own piece of foil-faced fiberglass insulation glued to the body-side surface. The Eckler's pieces look like an aftermarket design to replace the four shield mats and the tunnel mat. I don't think they are correct for a 68-69. I've included three sheets from my '69 AIM. Shows the items that you are asking about.

Re: Items 1 & 12


Re: Item 1


Re: Item 6
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Old Nov 6, 2012 | 06:56 PM
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Thanks for sharing 69vette. My 68 does not have #6 in the third pic. the floors have the metal clips riveted to hold the insulation in place instead. found a good thread on here a while back that explains it all.. I have a early 68 if May is considered early.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...ml?ref=esp-img
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Old Nov 7, 2012 | 09:09 AM
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Originally Posted by 73ss
Thanks for sharing 69vette. My 68 does not have #6 in the third pic. the floors have the metal clips riveted to hold the insulation in place instead. found a good thread on here a while back that explains it all.. I have a early 68 if May is considered early.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...ml?ref=esp-img
My April built 68 has the splash shields. Your car should have them.

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Old Nov 7, 2012 | 10:03 AM
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73ss: Interesting link. Fills in some gaps. Corvette engineers were really scrambling for a cabin heat solution when they applied unprotected fiberglass insulation to the body underside with clips! Crazy.
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Old Nov 7, 2012 | 12:40 PM
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Just to assist with the timeline.
My June 14th, 1968 built BB has the triangle style splash shields,
floor pan stone shields, and toe kick insulation and tunnel insulation.
I see nothing underneath the floor pan stone shields in the way of insuation.
I'm planning on wrapping the underside of the floors with silver foil as above poster did
Marshal
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