Insulation for sound and heat

[Broadwaydan]

Any comments about heat suppression and sound dampening products? I have looked a bit and am considering Dynamat and a couple of products from Thermo-tec. Would be interested in what you've used and how well it works. Thanks.

Dan

[Jeff Kleiner]

A low cost alternative that I have used on two roadsters is "Reflectix" insulation from Lowes. It's like bubblewrap with foil on both sides.



For a closed and air conditioned Coupe or GTM I'd probably look at some of the higher performing products specifically intended for automotive applications but for an open roadster this stuff is a pretty good bang for the buck I'd say. When covered with carpet it totally eliminates the tinniness of raw aluminum panels and even on the hottest days is only warm to the touch.

Jeff

[cobrajj]

That looks similar to what I used. 2--- 4x10 ft rolls of this--http://www.lobucrod.com/

[Marty Prario]

I 2nd this product. Xlnt heat barrier and very easy to use. Low cost also.

That looks similar to what I used. 2--- 4x10 ft rolls of this--http://www.lobucrod.com/

[jlfernan]

Used it, works fine. For heat, it does it's job, For noise, come on, you're sitting a foot and a half away from the sidepipes. They only thing that will reduce the noise is earplugs!

[buildit]

I used Lizardskin....very satisfied.

[Bob Russel]

Does anyone have any feedback for the Koolmat product? I would be interested to hear a comparison to this product vs what Jeff used (Reflectix).

[Broadwaydan]

Thanks for all the information - plenty of good ideas to choose from. Key point is that more money won't eliminate a lot of the noise due to open design of car!

Dan

[Pierre B]

The foil-wrapped bubble plastic should work fine where it is not compressed over time. That compression, such as on the floor of the cockpit, will eventually release the air cushion and you will be left with only two sheets of thim aluminum to do the job. Also, your insulation footwell liner needs to be strong enough to hold the carpet, and this bubble stuff may not be up to that job over time. The materials savings may not offset the difficulties of dealing with the problems that might crop up later. Insulating a car like the FFR presents unique problems, not the least of which are related to the tight quarters.

[Jeff Kleiner]

your insulation footwell liner needs to be strong enough to hold the carpet, and this bubble stuff may not be up to that job over time.

I use 3M Super 77 to adhere the insulation to the aluminum and also to bond the carpet to insulation. After three years, 11,000 miles and numerous soakings in the rain nothing has loosened. Can't argue your point on compressing the insulation other than to mention that the only place I've actually noticed is is on the dropped floor in the driver's side at the gas pedal.

Jeff

[ironman16nc]

What are people using on the engine side of the footboxes and firewall? Just paint? Or an insulation?

[edwardb]

What are people using on the engine side of the footboxes and firewall? Just paint? Or an insulation?

I've seen many variations. One of the most common (including my build) is powder coat. Very durable, easy to keep clean, etc. Have seen a few painted, a product called Sharhide (a clear coating usually wiped on), some leave plain aluminum, and a few with heat/sound absorbing materials. But I would say most put the mat type materials on the inside of the cockpit vs. the engine side.