Over the past few weeks I've answered a number of requests regarding cabin heat, specifically in reference to this tech tip

https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...=241&TopicID=3

I published this tip in 2003 and over the years many forum members have had success with it. Unfortunately its hard to explain in text how the area in question creates a plenum that is used as a duct by the Heater/AC system. When I first published the tip a forum member sent me this picture and for the life of me I can't remember who it was. But the picture, along with some mad artwork on my part , shows the area in question. I uploaded the picture a few days ago and saw that if was finally approved. As you can see in the picture the bottom of the fender is left open at the factory in order to provide drainage. Unfortunately they left quite a large slot which sits just above the exhaust pipe. Once the exhaust heats up the hot air off the pipe is drawn into this area and blown into the cockpit. The area that is bonded to the body also has its problems. Over the years the bonding adhesive cracks, dries out, and causes even more leaks. The fix is to seal the area outlined. I used windshield mounting caulk because of its stickiness but any rope caulk that will stick and stay put will work. Since the area is enclosed, and you can only reach it through the recirculate door in the passenger kickpanel, using RTV would be very difficult. You sort of have to work by feel. But once the area in question is sealed, leaving a small opening at the bottom for drainage, the heat drawn into the cockpit will be drastically diminished. To leave a drainage opening I usually tell people to use one or two soda straws pushed up from the rocker panel area. Caulk up to the straws and when done pull them out. I did this in 2003 and haven't had a problem with drainage and have had significantly less heat in my car. Here's the pic and if you have any other questions I would be glad to answer them.

 

Thanks Vettfixr, I did see your post sometime back (Archive) There's so many things to read on this forum, it could make your head spin. I'll have to look at that. Thanks, Tony

 

I've read your post a couple of times, and had to laugh to my self when I was working on my windshield bay and droped my 7/16 socket and extension down in the area of what I think is around the red line pointing from the T.
I just stood there thinking, I cant believe that just happend.
I stuck a post it on my kick panel reminding to get the socket out when I gut out my heater core. When will that be?
So WIAI I'll look to seal up the area based on your info.
Thanks.

 

Hi Vettfixer, just tonight I was looking over some old posts that I saved and your post on eliminating cockpit heat came up. I'd like to seal off the area you mentioned and your new post came at the right time. Question is, can I spray some "Great Stuff" insulating foam in that area?
I have a stock 74 t-top with auto trans and factory air, and in past years it could keep up with the 90* days we have in NC but this year it's just not cool enough.
Also your original post mentioned a web site, can you post it please?
Your new picture helps a lot, thank you PG.

 

One of the problems in this area is the fact that its been sitting there for 30 to 40 years without being cleaned. I found a lot of dust and residue that prevents things from sticking to it. I cleaned it as best I could with wax and grease remover. I don't think the great stuff would be easy to apply only because of the monkey motions you have to use to get your arm in the area. Its not very big either so maneuvering a can in there could be a problem. I used 3M Window-Weld™ Round Ribbon Sealer. I bought it at Pep Boys and if you do a google you'll find it at a lot of places for around $10 ~$12 a roll (15 ft.). Its super sticky and adheres well to the areas in question. Its also good for sealing the heater box at the firewall in fact when I sealed my system using Doc Rebuild's kit the caulk was almost the same as the 3M ribbon sealer so its a pretty stock item. The only problem with this sealer is its so sticky. When you press it into a seam it sticks to your fingers more than it sticks to the seam and pulls out when you try to take your fingers off it. That's why I recommend keeping the paper backing on it and peeling the paper off after you've stuck it in the seams.

As far as my website goes, my apologies in that it hasn't been updated for a long time. I'm waiting until Verizon Fios is available so I can sheitcan Comcast and then I'll do a good update. The site address is in my sig but here it is also

http://home.comcast.net/~vettfixr/

Some articles I've done:

Reviving old paint
http://home.comcast.net/~vettfixr/page5.htm

Stripping paint
http://home.comcast.net/~vettfixr/page9.htm

Fiberglass Repair
http://home.comcast.net/~vettfixr/page12.htm

Insulating the cockpit
http://home.comcast.net/~vettfixr/page14.htm

Bypassing the Seatbelt/Starter Interlock System
http://home.comcast.net/~vettfixr/page14.htm

Checking Clearance on Hood Stops and Air Cleaners
http://home.comcast.net/~vettfixr/page18.htm

Stereo Installation (older Install)
http://home.comcast.net/~vettfixr/page20.htm

Latest Stereo Install ( does it ever end? )
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1049772