Should my hood be insulated?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
From: Baton Rouge LA
Should my hood be insulated?
Was fingering through a parts catalog the other night and saw insulation for under the hood. My 73 doesn't have insulation under the hood, which is an aftermarket hood. Should I have it? Could the heat damage the fiberglass or paint without it?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,713
Likes: 31
From: Shreveport LA
LA Events Coordinator
I have asked that same question years ago when I bought my 75 Vert...I heard the insulation helps keep the heat from ruining the hood over time....I figure the boys in "St. Louy" knew what was best for my Vette when it was built...so who am I to second guess them. I have made sure to keep the hood insulation in good condtion and my hood looks fine...never had any problems with the paint, cracks or fading. If you decide to get one....go GM (they fit better). Good Luck!
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,426
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, CA Website: ChrisMitchell.us
Originally Posted by stingray4me
I don't have any either. One time at a car show the sun reflected off the air cleaner & burned the paint through the hood.
What did you use to polish that air cleaner? I think I need to get me some.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,731
Likes: 22
From: Marietta Ga.
Originally Posted by 77Dream
What did you use to polish that air cleaner? I think I need to get me some.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
From: Athol NY
My stock '73 454 will actually heat my garage up after I park it. The later c-3's with the emissions run hot. When the insulation is new It looks good anyway. I see no reason to bake the underside of my hood any more than necessary. Sound advice as to the GM one, it has the molded impressions for air pump and alternator. Nice silver convertible from that one respondee!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,435
Likes: 0
From: largo florida
Originally Posted by 72GACRZR
It was the chrome and sun working like a magnifiying glass backwards, never leave the hood up at a show without a cloth over the top of the air cleaner.
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,731
Likes: 22
From: Marietta Ga.
Originally Posted by lostpatrolman
If you cover your chrome air cleaner whenever you lift the hood, then what is the point of having a chrome air cleaner? Why not just paint it the same color as the body?
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,743
Likes: 37
From: Stockton Ca
I find it hard to believe that the reflection off the air filter lid makes MORE HEAT that the engine? Personally I think the underhood insulation is for sound deadening. When I installed the OEM insulation, noise was reduced a noticeable ammount.
Rick
Rick
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,997
Likes: 1
From: WAY DEEP INSIDE AMERICO,YES YOU LIVE HERE TO!! TX
Originally Posted by Taijutsu
I find it hard to believe that the reflection off the air filter lid makes MORE HEAT that the engine? Personally I think the underhood insulation is for sound deadening. When I installed the OEM insulation, noise was reduced a noticeable ammount.
Rick
Rick
I have seen this in person, and is very true. I am willing to
bet this has happened to more than one person here
on the CF
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,743
Likes: 37
From: Stockton Ca
I'm not questioning the end result of blistered paint from the AC lid. I am questioning the idea that the reflected sunlight puts out more heat than the engine while running. My guess is that the reflected sun heats only a portion of the hood unevenly and that causes the problems. JMHO
Rick
Rick