Project: Insulation
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 508
Likes: 1
From: Maplewood NJ
Project: Insulation
I started insulating my floors tonight so maybe my legs won't roast as much. :cool: I went with the Reflectix insulation. So far it's easy to use and custom fitting it is a snap! The only problem is that I had to order it online and pay shipping :mad because none of the local Home Depots or other hardware stores around here carry it . . . everyone looks at me like I'm from Mars when I ask for Reflectix brand stuff. Oh well, hopefully the passenger side will be done in the next few days.
:seeya
Matt
:seeya
Matt
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 1,612
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix Arizona
Re: Project: Insulation (80Xflags)
80Xflags,
Nice job on the insulation! I plan to do the same before installing the VintageAir a/c.... Let us know how effective it is..... You're in Jersey, and it's summer, so give us an a/c update!!
Bob :cheers:
Nice job on the insulation! I plan to do the same before installing the VintageAir a/c.... Let us know how effective it is..... You're in Jersey, and it's summer, so give us an a/c update!!
Bob :cheers:
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 508
Likes: 1
From: Maplewood NJ
Re: Project: Insulation (74-Roadster)
Bob -
I don't have A/C :nonod: :nonod: . Bubba ripped out compressor and ran off with it. That's one of the many things on my fix list. According to the manufacturer of Reflectix it blocks 97% of all radiant heat, but I'll keep you guys updated on it's effectiveness.
74-Roadster -
The Reflectix is about 1/4 thick. It's like bubble wrap with aluminum foil on both sides, but it's pretty flexible and holds it's shape ok. I just cut it into shape, press it into the corners or make the bends where necessary, then use the Reflectix aluminum tape to hold it down. You can see some of the tape on the door sill.
:thumbs: :auto:
Matt
I don't have A/C :nonod: :nonod: . Bubba ripped out compressor and ran off with it. That's one of the many things on my fix list. According to the manufacturer of Reflectix it blocks 97% of all radiant heat, but I'll keep you guys updated on it's effectiveness.
74-Roadster -
The Reflectix is about 1/4 thick. It's like bubble wrap with aluminum foil on both sides, but it's pretty flexible and holds it's shape ok. I just cut it into shape, press it into the corners or make the bends where necessary, then use the Reflectix aluminum tape to hold it down. You can see some of the tape on the door sill.
:thumbs: :auto:
Matt
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,228
Likes: 6
From: lancaster ma
Re: Project: Insulation (80Xflags)
I will be doing this project soon with my carpet replacment. Looking forward to your results. Are you doing the back of the car as well? I was thinking only the front needs the insulation. It is my feet which are hot.
[Modified by adamdinat, 11:26 AM 7/29/2003]
[Modified by adamdinat, 11:26 AM 7/29/2003]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 1
From: "Too Low, Too Fast, Too Loud" TX
Re: Project: Insulation (adamdinat)
Wonder if you did the drivers side and not the passenger side if you could hop from one seat to the other and feel a differance...with full road heat going?
[Modified by 81' Corvette Guy, 10:41 AM 7/29/2003]
[Modified by 81' Corvette Guy, 10:41 AM 7/29/2003]
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Brett Foote
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 17
From: Sewell NJ
Re: Project: Insulation (80Xflags)
Looks like what I did on my 74. I hate to use this term but "While You're At It" :lol: take a look at this post I did a while ago. I found a significant cause of heat in the AC/Heating system. Everyone who has performed this fix was amazed at the difference it made including myself. Here it is. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=362830
Good luck with the project.
Good luck with the project.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 1,612
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix Arizona
Re: Project: Insulation (80Xflags)
80xflags,
That's ok that you don't have a compressor. I would seriously look into going with a VintageAir setup when you are ready. The factory a/c isn't adequate in my opinion. The newer setup can run on R134a.....
I am going to look into that insulation right now.....
Thanks!!
Bob :cheers:
That's ok that you don't have a compressor. I would seriously look into going with a VintageAir setup when you are ready. The factory a/c isn't adequate in my opinion. The newer setup can run on R134a.....
I am going to look into that insulation right now.....
Thanks!!
Bob :cheers:
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 508
Likes: 1
From: Maplewood NJ
Re: Project: Insulation (Bob Turner)
adamdinat-
I'm not sure if I can insulate the back part of the car since I glued my carpet down pretty well. I will however try insulating underneath the cargo area if I can. Maybe I can slip a piece of insulation underneath the padding that I glued the back carpet to :rolleyes: . We shall see.
81' Corvette Guy -
No need to hop back and forth, believe me, I should be able to feel the difference. :lol:
vettfixr -
Good tip, I'll check it out "while I'm at it". :thumbs:
Bob -
The reflectix stuff I ordered was whatever homedepot.com had. In particular, I ordered the 24"x25' roll. It happened to be the type with the staple tabs. I'm realizing that the staple tabs are a good idea because it allows for a little overlap with an insignificant increase in thickness.
:flag
Matt
I'm not sure if I can insulate the back part of the car since I glued my carpet down pretty well. I will however try insulating underneath the cargo area if I can. Maybe I can slip a piece of insulation underneath the padding that I glued the back carpet to :rolleyes: . We shall see.
81' Corvette Guy -
No need to hop back and forth, believe me, I should be able to feel the difference. :lol:
vettfixr -
Good tip, I'll check it out "while I'm at it". :thumbs:
Bob -
The reflectix stuff I ordered was whatever homedepot.com had. In particular, I ordered the 24"x25' roll. It happened to be the type with the staple tabs. I'm realizing that the staple tabs are a good idea because it allows for a little overlap with an insignificant increase in thickness.
:flag
Matt
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
From: Eagle Wi
Re: Project: Insulation (80Xflags)
If you guys are having a hard time finding it try ACE hardwares. That where I got mine. I did it this spring and I was a little worried that the thickness would make the new carpet not fit right but it seemed to work just fine.
I don't know yet what the result is on heat as I am still putting the interior back togeather. replaced a lot of stuff.
If you are doing it might as well delay the kids college a year or so. I can say I really hate repo parts and am a firm believer of trying to refurbish an original part first before springing for a repro.
I would like to know if anybody has a comment on road noise after installing this stuff.
[Modified by Man from Eagle, 2:27 AM 7/30/2003]
I don't know yet what the result is on heat as I am still putting the interior back togeather. replaced a lot of stuff.
If you are doing it might as well delay the kids college a year or so. I can say I really hate repo parts and am a firm believer of trying to refurbish an original part first before springing for a repro.
I would like to know if anybody has a comment on road noise after installing this stuff.
[Modified by Man from Eagle, 2:27 AM 7/30/2003]
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 508
Likes: 1
From: Maplewood NJ
Re: Project: Insulation (80Xflags)
UPDATE
Well, I basically finished the insulation install. The passenger side was a bit harder than the driver side since there's a few more curves in the floor. Now I just have a few more small spots to finish up, except I ran out of tape so now I need to see what Home Depot has :cuss . I'd say that the 24"x25' roll of insulation is more than enough to do the entire car. I only did the two seat areas and the console and I've probably got about 10' left. I couldn't get under the cargo area because the insulation was a bit too thick and so the cargo door wouldn't close easily with the plastic tray lifted. And as far as the back area goes, I'm not gonna mess with it since the carpet is glued down too tight.
Matt
:hat
Here's some more pics:
Well, I basically finished the insulation install. The passenger side was a bit harder than the driver side since there's a few more curves in the floor. Now I just have a few more small spots to finish up, except I ran out of tape so now I need to see what Home Depot has :cuss . I'd say that the 24"x25' roll of insulation is more than enough to do the entire car. I only did the two seat areas and the console and I've probably got about 10' left. I couldn't get under the cargo area because the insulation was a bit too thick and so the cargo door wouldn't close easily with the plastic tray lifted. And as far as the back area goes, I'm not gonna mess with it since the carpet is glued down too tight.
Matt
:hat
Here's some more pics:
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
From: Eagle Wi
Re: Project: Insulation (flynhi)
It's basically bubble wrap with foil backing on both sides. Should not absorb oil at all.
I think the center bubble wrap could melt however if it actually layed on something hot like exhaust.
I think the center bubble wrap could melt however if it actually layed on something hot like exhaust.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 508
Likes: 1
From: Maplewood NJ
Re: Project: Insulation (Man from Eagle)
It's basically bubble wrap with foil backing on both sides. Should not absorb oil at all.
I think the center bubble wrap could melt however if it actually layed on something hot like exhaust.
I think the center bubble wrap could melt however if it actually layed on something hot like exhaust.
My thoughts exactly. I suppose if you could ensure it'll be clear of the exhaust and find a way to secure it underneath the car, it would work. If I drop my tranny this winter to repair/replace it, I'll look into it since I've got extra insulation now.
:cheers:
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,221
Likes: 118
From: Matthews NC
Re: Project: Insulation (80Xflags)
You did a great job. I bought the kit from Zip Products and it didn't cover all the areas like you did. Yours should work well. Mine made a ton of difference in the interior temperature. That's especially good since I don't have A/C! :cheers: