Hood Insulation Question
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Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 19
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From: North Port Florida
Hood Insulation Question
The Hood Insulation is missing on my 73 and I read in a magazine that said missing insulation can cause the paint finish to get messed up because of the engine heat. Is this true?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
I have seen many of these Corvettes over the years without insulation and few, if any, with paint issues that were directly related to engine heat. It is certainly a possibility, and no doubt has occurred, but it is by no means a sure thing.
Having said all of that, I do have the insulator on the underside of my 73's hood. I'm certain that it provides some heat insulation to the underside of the hood, but I'd bet it provides even more sound insulation than anything else. On the other hand, if it's covered with grease or other flammable liquids, it could easily be more of a liability than an asset, in which case you're probably better off without it.
As previously mentioned, non-original replacements are available at bargain prices and original style ones are also available. If you've seen the non-original replacements, the first thing that will come to mind is how easy it would be to make your own if you can get some of the material.
Good luck... GUSTO
Having said all of that, I do have the insulator on the underside of my 73's hood. I'm certain that it provides some heat insulation to the underside of the hood, but I'd bet it provides even more sound insulation than anything else. On the other hand, if it's covered with grease or other flammable liquids, it could easily be more of a liability than an asset, in which case you're probably better off without it.
As previously mentioned, non-original replacements are available at bargain prices and original style ones are also available. If you've seen the non-original replacements, the first thing that will come to mind is how easy it would be to make your own if you can get some of the material.
Good luck... GUSTO
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 8,008
Likes: 3,341
From: Omaha NE
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I took my hood insulation off around 1980 and it has never affected my paint........which is still original....
