I spent the last couple of days correcting the engine heat in the cockpit area problem known to many of us. I followed many of the posts on this forum in addition to using the 2 books by Michael Davis and decided to use a product called 'Reflectix' under my new carpeting. It's primary use is in construction and I was able to purchase it at my local Ace hardware. It is basically a 1/4 inch sandwich of aluminum sheet top and bottom with plastic bubble wrap in between. I bought a 50' roll and tape that comes with it for $38.00. The plus's of this stuff is it's exteme light weight, waterproof, easy to use, very thin (I didn't want reduced room in the pedal area), and high insulation value. The downside is that you have to be careful not to 'pop' the individual bubbles! This was only a problem after I laid down the long section from the firewall to the area behind the seats. If I leaned in on my elbows to work to secure this stuff under the dash, they suffered! I had the console out as well and covered the tunnel as well, right up under the radio. The carpet set I got with the car when I bought it had regular mat bonded to it, so I left it and it went right in.

Before I did this job, the car was miserable to drive in anything but cool weather (pretty rare in CA during the summer!), and my kids called it "the broiler"! Yesterday it was 92 degrees, and I was able to drive it in comfort :D Now all I get is some residual heat from the A/C vents (the outside air door doesn't close all the way) but that will be repaired next. I still need to install a foam collar around the bellhousing and the insulation over the transmission in the tunnel. The books were a real help (especially with the water leaks), although some on this forum have faulted them for being a bit general or sketchy on procedures.

Anyway, I highly recommend this stuff and I will keep you posted on how well it holds up. There is some concern in the heel area, but with the carpet in (includes a heel pad) I think it will be fine. Sure like keeping my feet cool!

Hans

 

What are the two Davis books?

 

Will,

I believe they are "Corvette Water Leak and Wind Noise Solutions" and "Air Conditioning Strategies for the 63-82 Corvette". I have the former, and it really helped me chasing water leaks.

-Pedro


[Modified by Pedro'74, 2:28 PM 9/30/2001]

 

Hi Pedro,

Thanks for the value tip -- I'll be doing that shortly now that the car is back on jack stands for a fuel pump. I can't find that book on Corvette water leaks anywhere. After a look under my car I need it. Who's the auther?

--Jack

 

Jack,

The author is Michael Davis. I got mine from Motorbooks but apparently they don't have it anymore. It seems that Mid America has it (part# 600-029).

-Pedro

 

Thanks, I ordered a catalog...

 

Hans,

Thanks for the update. Picked up glue yesterday for my caarpet and pad job on our '69. Guess the kids' knee pads will come in handy for the elbows.

George

 

Glad you mentioned glue. I used 3M spray trim adhesive (because I had it and it's sticky as sin) in key spots to secure the insulation and trim. I drove it again today to a buddy's house to help with his Cobra kit and it was great, no heat and less noise.

Hans