Insulating the cabin

[240260280z]

Here are some photos of work I did in October to improve the cabin environment. There are many ways to tackle this, here is my first attempt:

I used a product from the home insulation/HVAC insulation industry. It is simply a bubble wrap material with aluminum foil on each side.

I measured the target area then cut it into basic shapes.I secured it together using a wide red vinyl tape that I found in a local hardware store for convenience. Since the vinyl interior trim will cover this material, you do not have to worry too much about aesthetics, however it should not be lumpy, lack symmetry and holes for seat belt anchors, storage doors, centre console etc. should be left uncovered.

I decided to use the bubble foil as it will never stink like the old jute and also because it will not be in high loading areas (which could pop the bubbles).I do think some of the bubbles may degrade over time but the foil and plastic in between will still insulate and reduce noise. The same areas could also be covered with closed cell foam to accomplish the same effect however the bubble foil is easier and faster to work with.

You can also see Peel and Seal on the floors and on the bulk head behind the seat area.I also applied it to the tunnel but I can find photos (sorry)

Here is the driver floor area. The firewall insulator is custom made from closed cell foam (against metal) and a layer of a rubberized, fabric backed tough material (facing the cabin). There is a fair bit of Peel and Seal sealed under the floor foil. I used a thin layer of red (pinky-red in photo) closed cell crafting foam in the foot pedal area to retain the firmness of heels on the floor as well as to minimize the top layer of carpet bunching and to not-use bubbles that can burst in this high load area.

Red vinyl tape holds it all together.

I always found that the exhaust and transmission radiated a lot of heat into the cabin through the tunnel so hopefully the foil will help reduce this problem.

All of the insulation is completed. Note the Peel and Seal on the door.

Here is a shot of the riser and seat area. Note the holes for the belt anchors and storage doors as well as Peal and Seal on the wheel arches.

Here you can see how the holes along the rocker panel and kick panel are tape-sealed with Tyvek tape.

hmmm I am now thinking that I should seal the firewall insulation to the kick panel to keep any potential leaks from going under the bubbles. (Heater core, vent, blower intake, cowl drain)

More sealing of the holes below the quarter window and also adding insulation over the wheel arch.

Here is a shot of a little later on. The vinyl trim is glued in place and it finishes nicely against the "bubble floor"

Note. to complete the finish (after this photo), I used aluminum foil tape to seal the black vinyl against the bubble foil. This will contain any spills/leaks. I also found that the carpet slid on the foil when adjusting the seat so I used a rubber material used as place mats on ships to stop dishes from sliding off tables. It was red and I got it at a local Dollar store. So there are many layers to the floor:

- steel

- nissan bitumen dampening

- peel and seal dampening

- bubble foil

- rubber antislip

- carpet

Test fit of carpet... all black at seams.

Not so great behind and under seats. The carpet does not cover very well. I ended up putting a layer of the black rubberized fabric (used in firewall insulator) under the seat and storage area.

Edited November 5, 2011 by Blue

[240260280z]

Here is a photo of the Dollar store anti slip stuff. I guess it is used to line cutlery drawers from the label. It is just chucked into the car in this photo so please "ignore the mess".

[GreenZZZ]

Looks very red for a guy named Blue! Very nice work!

I went with LizardSkin. No idea which is better.

I have some snaps of the work here... http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?42523-Lizard-Skin-Products

[240260280z]

Looks very red for a guy named Blue!

Well add your green to the mix and we got the spectrum covered! I love your restoration! Perfection!

[Zs-ondabrain]

Covered ever square inch from firewall to tail light panel. Project is in LIMBO at the moment but will finish the inner rear quarters and other things later on.

[Fire604]

Dave, how many square feet of FatMat did you use?

[Zs-ondabrain]

I think I ordered 100 sq. ft and have only used about 2/3's of it. Still gotta do the inside doors and the inner rear quarters.

the kit came with....

100 Sq Ft Fatmat Sound Deadener

Hard Wood Roller

Cutting Knife

Fatmat Decal

Installation Instructions

kit includes the following

2 Roll of 33.5' L X 18" W

here's a link...... Great price, FREE!! Shipping too.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/100-Sq-Ft-Sound-deadener-Fatmat-Dynamat-Roller-/280631232680?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&vxp=mtr&hash=item4156ecc8a8

The ink stamps wipe off with acetone on a rag, easily. so if you want silver only, with no labeling, just wipe it off.

Dave

[thedarkie]

Apologies for bringing an old thread way back up but I was hoping some of you fellas would give updates on these projects?

I test drove a 240Z today and the only 2 drawbacks were the relatively noisy and [gas] smelly interior. The car was running rich and Im sure a good tune would eliminate much of the smell, but I'd be curious to know how to make it a more pleasant driver further.

Thanks

[olzed]

Dang it. I wish I had done this when I did the resto 13 years ago. Just as well i'm half deaf.

[240260280z]

The car is much quieter and not smelly.

[kacrow76]

I am getting ready to spray my whole interior with lizard skin. i have new floor pans what do i need to spray then with before i spray the lizard skin? thanks

[240260280z]

http://www.lizardskin.com/prep-for-spray-insulation.html