Edited on 2014-06-22 1:55:31
I am aware this topic has been covered before years ago - however there are new materials available. I am replacing my carpets hence stripping out the interior of my roadster.

1- Is koolmat still the preferred best heat insulator for interior of a roadster? Anyone try zircoflex ?

2- A previous post wrote that the inside of the trans housing should have a large piece of foam often forgotten or left out by mechanics working on e types. Without it the trans cowl fills up with super hot air - The foam can be replaced via removal of interior housing cover. So question - is this a stock part available at suppliers or does it need to be cut to fit? If so - what kind of material does one use for the inside - very hot! - of the transmission cowl?

Thank you anyone for guidance regarding heat insulation in an etype roadster!

Submitted by jkerlish@hrma.com on Fri, 07/04/2014 - 08:58

Dynamat is my choice; I lined my whole OTS with it; the best heat shielding (heavy foil) and sound deadening material. It's very flexible; just cut to fit; sticky backing conforms to body surfaces. I then installed the conventional jute padding over it, then the carpet. Cool & quiet!

Submitted by greg@nofatmusic.com on Tue, 06/24/2014 - 23:17

Edited on 2014-06-25 0:03:46
two more questions! Did any of you install the insulation on the rear slanted deck in front of the boot or is it enough to just install rear pieces on the floors under and behind the seats? Also - I notice several on line pics show the insulation is not installed over the cross bar which runs under the seat - why not?

Thanks again for all the great advise/experience.

Submitted by NE40-48370 on Sun, 06/22/2014 - 16:23

I used a roll of self-adhesive foam backed foil duct insulation from Lowes. About $15 from memory. Enough left for another car. If there is a difference in function and the difference is in favor of Koolmat (two arguable 'ifs') then it comes at a high price. Good product but for those of us on tight budgets there Re alternatives.

Any polurethane upholstery foam should do fine over the gearbox. Fit not critical. Sold as a soecific shaped oart by the usuals but you can DIY.

Submitted by NE23-54945 on Sun, 06/22/2014 - 16:22

DYNOMAT has been used for many a hot rod. Probably twice as expensive as the others. The difference is you can get many size differences. In thickness. Also the sound deadening is unreal. Very expensive and fire proof and all the rest. Good luck.

Submitted by bfahnest@gmail.com on Sun, 06/22/2014 - 15:23

No I did not consider zircoflex. What I did find as far as fitment of the Koolmat is concerned 1. It is only about a 1/16th of an inch thick and in as much as the cars came with Jute that is about 3/8 thick (which by the way, I am installing under the carpet) the addition of the Koolmat should not be a problem.
2. The only caveat to that is that the trim panels that fit the foot well toward the outside of the car have to be bent to fit where the hood latches are mounted. The 1/16 of an inch of koolmat will make a difference at that bend so make sure you measure carefully prior to installing the panel or there will be a gap if you just use the old panel as a templet as to where to make the bend. I am sure it is easier to do then for me to explain in writing. (oldtimers disease)

Good luck Bruce

Submitted by greg@nofatmusic.com on Sun, 06/22/2014 - 14:46

Thank you both for the info!
I will go with koolmat as well. Just curious if the thickness of Koolmat interfered with the 'fitment' of the carpets and trim?
There is a new product called zircoflex using some kind of space age composite - did either of you look at or consider it?

thanks again for your input ... really very helpful.

Submitted by spcolman@gmail.com on Sun, 06/22/2014 - 10:56

Greg,

I have a 1966 Series 1 coupe and completely gutted the interior, added A/C and needed to insulate solely for heat with sound being secondary. After a lot of research on the subject I settled on Koolmat as well. It has been everything as advertised and since then have added to my 1957 MK1. I will tell you having the precut kit is definitely easier than cutting the patterns yourself.

Submitted by bfahnest@gmail.com on Sun, 06/22/2014 - 08:57

Greg
I just got finished installing Kool Mat in my 2+2 It is meant as a heat reducer unlike some other products on the market. It is expensive and be sure to get some poster paper to correctly make a templet before trying to install the Kool Mat. It is suppose to be cut to size, but I found the product to be to large and needed to be sized. Also, the pieces for the transmission cover are ridiculous, as in not even close to working as planned. That said, I am very impressed with the product and it looks great and seals well with the silicone caulk.
as for question two, I did install dynamat on the inside of the trans housing prior to installing the engine/trans. I believe that in conjunction with my Kool mat things should be pretty nice.

Bruce