jbroughton

OK, my 4 speed has to come out this winter for new synchros. I noticed that my car does not have the tunnel insulation or the foam collar. Would this be a worthwhile investment while I have it apart? Does it make a lot of difference in the amount of interior heat? My '69 is like an oven in the summer. I've already bought some insulation to go under the carpet, but I'm thinking it couldn't hurt to go ahead and put this around the tranny too.

Thanks,
Jeff

Johns vette

I didn't have the tunnel insulation either. When I insulated the floorboards I also put some over the tranny hump. Yes it helps with the heat. It's almost comfortable to drive in the summer now. Just kidding, it is comfortable. :seeya

vettfixr

Yes you should use the tunnel insulation. And while you're at it put the insulation collar that goes over the bellhousing and seals the tunnel just behind the engine. This stops heat from traveling down the tunnel and will help the tunnel insulation work better. Make sure your lower shift boot isn't torn and that it seals tightly to the floor. A lot of heat can come through a torn boot.

Smokehouse69

Oh Gawd Yes!!! I just replace my insulation and I can't believe the difference an intact layer of insulation makes in the tranny tunnel.

jbroughton

Thanks for the replies everybody. I figured it was probably a good investment. And Vettfixr, thanks for the tip about the lower shift boot. I hadn't even thought about that, and I'm sure mine has probably never been replaced. I'll check that before placing my parts order!

Jeff

flynhi

Insulate above and below the trans tunnel. Replace the clutch rod boot. Remove carpet, lift the car on jackstands, have a friend wave a drop light under the car, close any hole where you see light, completely insulate below carpet with one of several products previously discussed in numerous threads on this topic.
Install reflective tape on engine side of evaporator/ fan box - especially if you have headers.
Even after all this, you will still be hot unless you install manual cut off valves on both water lines serving the heater.

GTR1999

Also a quick note don't overlook the sliders when you rebuild the tranny. It causes tight gear engagement.
Gary


[Modified by gtr1999, 12:41 PM 12/20/2002]

l2vette

"Even after all this, you will still be hot unless you install manual cut off valves on both water lines serving the heater."

Is this true?? I thought that a shut off was only needed on the 5/8" line to the heater core??

flynhi

My experience was that, after a while, hot water will back flow and/or mix with the water in the return line. So I valved them both off and now have cool feet!

Smokehouse69

Heater? Who needs extra heat in a 'vette cockpit anyway. Just pull the hoses off and put caps on the manifold and intake ports. :D
My heater core is leaking, and although I have a new one ready to go in, but gathering enough mental fortitude to tear into the dash to do the job is the tough part.

LT1driver

I am like smokehouse, got the new heater core, waiting to install someday. :lol:

theandies

My heater core started leaking (on my new carpet :mad :mad ) so I just by-passed it and now my interior is a lot cooler. I will probally never replace the heater core unless my cold natured wife asks me too. When I installed my engine, I replaced my old tunnel insulation because about 3/4 of it was missing and it seemed to make a little difference. In the summer I just put my top down and even though it is hot as :reddevil I am still cool driving around a classic :cool: :cool: :cool:
John

gdh

I am going to put in new insulation this winter, is there a brand that is also better for sound insulation as well. I know, what is a guy with a 490 hp vert. doing looking for sound insulation - I am planning on building a C2 coupe and every coupe that I have been in, including a new C5 FRC has been louder than 'ell inside, just want to cut down on the hollowness of it all. :cheers:

vettfixr

Go to my website at this link for an article on insulating the cockpit. http://mywebpages.comcast.net/vettfixr/page14.htm