How to cool the interior 81
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 41
Likes: 2
From: Lumberton Tx
How to cool the interior 81
Alrighty. The interior on my 81 gets pretty warm after a while. The PO replaced carpeting and interior work, but they did not put down any dynamat or other hear barrier. I also need to check the vacuum and switch for the AC controls, but that's another topic. What would be the best to start with in getting the heat out of the cabin? I am thinking pull the seats and install dynamat under the carpet, swap out to ceramic headers, or maybe wrap the exhaust under the cabin. What to start with? Any headers a direct swap or will i have to have them welded up if I go that route? Thanks for any tips.
Stroked 383, mild cam, I think stock pretty much everything else.
Stroked 383, mild cam, I think stock pretty much everything else.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 781
Likes: 113
Alrighty. The interior on my 81 gets pretty warm after a while. The PO replaced carpeting and interior work, but they did not put down any dynamat or other hear barrier. I also need to check the vacuum and switch for the AC controls, but that's another topic. What would be the best to start with in getting the heat out of the cabin? I am thinking pull the seats and install dynamat under the carpet, swap out to ceramic headers, or maybe wrap the exhaust under the cabin. What to start with? Any headers a direct swap or will i have to have them welded up if I go that route? Thanks for any tips.
Stroked 383, mild cam, I think stock pretty much everything else.
Stroked 383, mild cam, I think stock pretty much everything else.
Take time to troubleshoot the hvac system, vacuum stuff..vent controls etc..Get the A/C system looked at by someone competent..
Even in texas..in warmest weather..your car can be comfortable to drive IF the A/C and vents-ductwork are working properly..jim
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 41
Likes: 2
From: Lumberton Tx
OK, that's a solid tip. I will evaluate the ac first. The air is cold, it just comes out at your feet. I am not sure they got the vacuum hooked back up to the switch to control the dampers, or if the switch is leaking. I will run that all out first, cheaper than pulling up the interior. I learn a littler more about this all the time. Thanks for the suggestion of a starting point.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 546
From: Central Texas
Good a/c system, dark tint on Windows/t-tops, dynamat/dynaliner, good weather strips. I've got a black on black '81 that will freeze you out in the Texas weather. Feel free to pm me with any questions. 
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,697
Likes: 139
From: Syracuse NY
1) roll down the windows
2) Cowboy the fawk up
Sorry, up North where we only get 14 hours of summer, we envy you guys. I cant imagine operating this car in real heat, I know my cabin with the tops off and windows down will still make me sweat on a 90 degree day.
2) Cowboy the fawk up
Sorry, up North where we only get 14 hours of summer, we envy you guys. I cant imagine operating this car in real heat, I know my cabin with the tops off and windows down will still make me sweat on a 90 degree day.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,664
Likes: 162
From: columbia city in
I would get a infrared heat gun .there cheap now.drive for a short then point at the floor ,fire wall or any were you think the heat is coming from. on my 82 there were lots of places on the fire wall that had leaks.put on a manual in line water shut off valve.seal the ac box inside the engine compartment.https://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&pag...d%20heat%20gun
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 319
Likes: 12
From: South Chase WI
If the air only comes out at your feet, there is a small vacuum line that has come apart right behind the distributor in the engine bay that controls the vent selection. Look close with a bright light and you'll find it.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 41
Likes: 2
From: Lumberton Tx
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 41
Likes: 2
From: Lumberton Tx
Thanks for the tip on the vacuum line, I just haven't traced it out from the switch. I am hoping it's just a line disconnected and not the switch leaking. I have been looking thru the aim and at some of Wilcox diagrams, just have not taken the time to delve into it yet.
I will look at the tranny tunnel pad, will probably start with dynamat in the cabin first and see how that works. I have a thermal gun, will have to pull it and get some readings. Thanks for all of the tips.
I have thought about tinting, but the heat is from the engine bay and transmission more than the windows. I can deal with the temp, it will probably feel nice in the winter. My wife doesn't like to sweat, she is a firm believer in ac. If I can get the ac running right that would help, but I would like to keep the heat out better do the ac can function to its fullest extent. Thanks again for the tips.
I will look at the tranny tunnel pad, will probably start with dynamat in the cabin first and see how that works. I have a thermal gun, will have to pull it and get some readings. Thanks for all of the tips.
I have thought about tinting, but the heat is from the engine bay and transmission more than the windows. I can deal with the temp, it will probably feel nice in the winter. My wife doesn't like to sweat, she is a firm believer in ac. If I can get the ac running right that would help, but I would like to keep the heat out better do the ac can function to its fullest extent. Thanks again for the tips.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 781
Likes: 113
Thanks for the tip on the vacuum line, I just haven't traced it out from the switch. I am hoping it's just a line disconnected and not the switch leaking. I have been looking thru the aim and at some of Wilcox diagrams, just have not taken the time to delve into it yet.
I will look at the tranny tunnel pad, will probably start with dynamat in the cabin first and see how that works. I have a thermal gun, will have to pull it and get some readings. Thanks for all of the tips.
I have thought about tinting, but the heat is from the engine bay and transmission more than the windows. I can deal with the temp, it will probably feel nice in the winter. My wife doesn't like to sweat, she is a firm believer in ac. If I can get the ac running right that would help, but I would like to keep the heat out better do the ac can function to its fullest extent. Thanks again for the tips.
I will look at the tranny tunnel pad, will probably start with dynamat in the cabin first and see how that works. I have a thermal gun, will have to pull it and get some readings. Thanks for all of the tips.
I have thought about tinting, but the heat is from the engine bay and transmission more than the windows. I can deal with the temp, it will probably feel nice in the winter. My wife doesn't like to sweat, she is a firm believer in ac. If I can get the ac running right that would help, but I would like to keep the heat out better do the ac can function to its fullest extent. Thanks again for the tips.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 112
Likes: 8
There is a book published by Prestige Publishing, Air Conditioning Strategies for the 63-82 Corvette written by Michael J Davis. This book will solve all your problems, even if you don't do but half of what he suggest. The one thing you can't live without is the insulation. I used the stuff that looks like thin bubble wrap with foil backing on my 79. Install it everywhere. Even on the firewall and behind the pillow post moulding. I get 41* out of my vents even on the hottest North Carolina days.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 546
From: Central Texas
Originally Posted by rebel542
There is a book published by Prestige Publishing, Air Conditioning Strategies for the 63-82 Corvette written by Michael J Davis. This book will solve all your problems, even if you don't do but half of what he suggest. The one thing you can't live without is the insulation. I used the stuff that looks like thin bubble wrap with foil backing on my 79. Install it everywhere. Even on the firewall and behind the pillow post moulding. I get 41* out of my vents even on the hottest North Carolina days.
I made a mistake.
Edit: I just checked Amazon and there are some used and new ones available.
https://www.amazon.com/Air-Condition.../dp/0934786097
Last edited by Street Rat; Sep 22, 2016 at 09:09 AM. Reason: Add Info.