would appreciate info/suggestions/recommendations about insulation material to put inside my car before replacing the carpeting and door panels..

thanks, Mark

"God Bless Texas"location: Houston,TX

Dynamat is the material of choice.

Ol'ford nutCentral Iowa

56 Vic w/292 & 4 spd.

As far as we could tell with my buddies chebbie Dynamat doesn't have anything but reflective insulation cabability (heavy aluminum foil cover) - its mostly a sound deadener. Made his stereo easier to hear with the Flowmasters barking - but didn't help the temp much at all. He just put the factory style carpet padding back over it, so that's all the insulation he really has. 

When sound proofing - which goes along hand in hand with floor insulation - you need at least two out of four of the following features: deadening, insulation, isolation, - or a barrier. Because insulation does both, it usually becomes number one on everyone's list.

But because deadening needs to be applied directly to the tin - it goes on first. Dynamat and Fatmat are two known brands of the stuff - both have a heavy plastic/rubber compound that sticks down on a steel, plastic or cardboard panel and changes its vibrational frequency. Since it is basically a "weight", thicker sheets seem to work better - I've been using the Fatmat product called "Rattletrap" which is half again thicker than the other stuff. there are other products that work well as a deadener - this isn't an advertisement. On the web you will find some articles about sound deadening small aircraft - they are very weight concious people these airplane guys - have a lot in common with race car guys. Advice from them - only use deadener where it counts mosts - don't sheet the whole floor, just use it in the center of open panels. I can vouch for this - it worked well on my Z28.

For a second layer - apply an insulator. A lot of rod shops and internet sources sell an automotive padding - about 3/8 thick with mylar aluminum facing. It works good for the price - cut easily with old shears and glues down with 3M upholstery cement. These fiber type insulators are just like house insulation - thickness rules in order to get R-factor. There are foam type insulators that are more effective per unit of thickness than the fiber - also lighter. Worth checking them out - but pay attention to their fire ratings.

Good Luck finding the right stuff for your job! There are a lot of products out there - just don't try to rely on a single solution.

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

I am getting ready to do some interior work on my '56 CV and i've found this site. I don't know much about it but it might be of interest.

http://www.lizardskin.com/

Woodland Hills,Ca

As AZ says the foam insulation works well. You can buy it at a building supply store such as Home Depot . And it cuts with a knife to shape . Used it in an old 50 ford coupe many years ago.  

55Birdman  Hickory NC

thanks for the input, gents...

so far, I have put down a brush on product on the flooring, inside the doors as far as I could reach and in the trunk area called "Spectrum" from an online outfit called "Second Skin Audio".  Additionally, I have put the foil insulation material from my local Lowe's Home Improvement center in the ceiling (prior to getting a new headliner), on the back wall behind where the rear seatback will mount and on the opposite side of that panel in the trunk area and in the kick panel area...

main interest is getting something on the floor to dampen noise and keep the cabin from getting hot...

hope to post some pics soon of this 18 or so year project!

thanks again to all who have replied to my posts and for the overall content of this forum!

Mark

"God Bless Texas"location: Houston,TX

Buzz,

        the Lizard Skin product you mentioned does work very well. I used it on my Unibody truck, and can really notice the difference. Its kind of pricey but worth it to me living in the South West.  I also put some insullation over the top of that for more, and then carpet.

          

Michael

Sandy Valley, NV

When I was restoring my 55 Bird in 2001, I bought some stuff from J.C.Whitney. It is 1/2 inch thick Mylar faced foam sound/heat insulation with vinyl lining between layers of foam. I used it behind the firewall cover in place of the fiberglass insulation, and put it on the entire floor clear up to the trunk, inside the doors while the window channels were removed with some 3M upholstery trim adhesive. You wouldn't believe how much quieter and cooler it is in the cab.Especially on the floors above the mufflers. I see they still sell it in 1'' or 1/2" sheets 32'X27" 6sq. ft.

I have been very happy with it and it makes a great pad for the carpeting.

 Bud

Bud in Northern Arizona on route 66 in Winslow (standin' on the corner)

If you're American, buy American

631/2 Galaxie 500XL 406   55 T-Bird

Do a Google scearch on "ceramic micro-speres"..It is the same thing used in Lizard skin...It's has been around for years...it mixes with any type of paint and it works...and its cheap.