I'm new at this so please forgive what is probably a simple question. I have a '91 convertable, turquise metallic, all stock, 6 speed, 61000 mi, bought about 2 months ago and runs and looks good.

I noticed what I considered to be more road noise and heat than expected coming from the gearshift area. The leather shift boot is in good condition so I assumed there may be a deeper problem. I removed the console trim cover with the leather boot attached and found the top of the transmission with the rubber boot held down by 4 bolts and a retainer; however, there is space between the gearbox and the transmission tunnel, through which heat, noise, and presumably weather could enter the interior of the car, the only thing seperating the inside from the outside being the leather boot. This doesn't sound reasonable as there appears to be a rim around the opening in the transmission tunnel that could hold another piece, whether it be rubber or some type of insulation. In any event, there is nothing present. The local Chevy dealer says it was made this way and is supposed to be open.

The question is, is he right or is there another boot or insulator that should fill this gap?

Any thoughts or help will be appreciated.
Bob

 

there is always a lot of heat coming from the drivetrain.

Personally, a thin piece of insulation there can't hurt... but I doubt it will really help much.

the best bet would be a heat shielding insultion under the carpets.

 

The second boot that is bolted on is supose to be stretched over the sheet metal lip on the trans tunnel. There is a very gooey/sticky goop that holds it there. If the boot falls off the lip it will let noise and heat up to the console.

 

Rich
Thanks for the info about the rubber boot. Apparently mine is so badly deformed that it wasn't apparent that this was the way it worked. I have ordered a new boot and the problem will hopefully be solved. I believe I will put at least some insulation over it though as suggested also.