CRG Discussion Forum
Camaro Research Group Discussion => Restoration => Topic started by: RAS68 on February 28, 2018, 10:32:41 PM
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I want to ask the forum about under hood insulation for my 68 SS 396 Coupe. I am aware of several threads which address this topic ( see two of them below). However, the first thread is up to 10 years old so I am wondering what is the latest consensus on under hood insulation. Cook_dw tried to revive the question in 2015 but he got only one reply. The second thread has some good tips on clips and some great pictures. I recently bought the molded insulation pad from REM and the Classic Industries original style clips. The quality appears to be very good but I am having a few issues. The pad is very thick and getting the clips to go in is difficult to say the least and some of the clips keep popping out. I have an original GM SS hood so its not the clip hole size. Also, the pad has a green tint to it and it keeps shedding this abrasive green dust from it. I had an original Firebird some years ago with the original insulation ( worn but still there) and I don't remember it having this texture or the green tint. Two of the pictures on thread 2 show black tint pads with the texture I remember and one of the pictures shows the green heavily molded pad. Thread 1 has a recommendation from Jerry M that you should just buy the non molded pad which he says looks more original. However, that recommendation is from 2008. I hope some members will reply on this subject to bring it up to date on the various pads available, how to get the clips to stay in and relate their experiences and give me some recommendations. Thanks.
Allen
http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=3331.msg21783#msg21783
http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=13891.msg121196#msg121196
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I have seen the green tint you are referring to. A very nice pad other than that shedding. Would spraying it black keep all the fibers together and look more correct?
I am looking for a original hood insulation for my 69 (Good used) . I think to many guys just toss the old one when buying new.
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Thanks for the reply Bullitt65 - I may try your idea of painting it lightly. I hope some others will chime in with their experiences on the hood insulation.
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I was one of the complainers back then about the diameter of the air cleaner recess not being the correct diameter and the result was insulation rubbing the air cleaner chrome lid top. Keep in mine there is a new molded version that does not replicate the proper contours they are marketing now. The REM versions I got in the late 90's early 2000's was a very nice color & thin enough that the trouble clips were just a few.
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I replaced my original hood pad with a new one purchased thru Chevrolet Parts dept in Apr-May 1976. It has a 'greenish tint...
Gary
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Cowl (04C LOS Z11) Take off in 1995 & Camaro Club Mag.
Jim
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Thanks for the reply's, the info and the great pictures. I appreciate it. This is why I come to CRG Forum for my restoration questions - its an excellent resource. If anyone else has pictures of original hood pads please post them. Also if anyone has any experience installing the molded repro pad please post that as well. I still wish the molded REM pads were more black than green. I sprayed my repro pad with a light dusting of flat black vinyl and upholstery paint and I am much happier with color. It still has a slight green tint but not as much.
Allen
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What did you do about the clips not holding? I just got my REM pad - -the original clips wound not hold.
this new pad is thicker than the one i got from them 20 years ago.
Back then the clips were a challenge, but eventually got them all to hold.
I even went and bought a set of the repro CHQ clips, that are advertised as being longer, but they work worse then the originals. won't grab for even a minute. For now I have the fat plain ones on - hoping that over time i can switch them one at a time as the pad settles into place.
The color seems a little greener then I remember, but that doesn't bother me.
Any other ideas or recommendations? anyone modify their original clips in any way? Duct tape? lol
thanks..... J
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Two things I have done;
a) Taking a small jewelers or model train file and dress and accentuate the "Barb" of the clip giving it more "TOOTH" to grab the sheet-metal hole in the hood structure.
b) Took a flap of a matchbook and trimmed and folded it and jammed it in the split of the retainer to force it (the retainer) to have more spreading force after the retainer is seated in the hood hole.
c) Make sure your insulation punched hole is concentric to the hole in the hood structure so there is NO side or insulation pucker forces trying to unseat the retainer.
d) Gently heat the plastic retainer to soften the "wings" of the retainer to give it some flex and relax some of the unseating forces.
Keep at it and carry spares as needed.
Jim
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I did cut some of the retainer with an exacto knife, made the flairs a little bigger. That seems to be holding at least the first one did. thanks for the help I probably should have tried that right away.
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Standby.....I'm taking pictures of how to deal with the clips.
Mike
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Only 2 held. This is very frustrating to say the least.
My polite way of saying.... lol
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I've been there and also lost some original clips while driving.
Attached are photos I just took to demonstrate how to shape the clips just enough to easily snap into position.
It works easy if you have a heat gun, but a hair dryer will work good too. You will need a large socket (I used a 34mm socket) and a 1/2" socket on an extension (the extension will save your fingers from getting burnt).
Don't be afraid to get the clip hot enough to be malleable, but don't melt it or overdo the pressing part.
Good luck!
Mike
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Gonna try this right now. Thank you... edit: Mike S, this seems to be working very nicely... :D
oh... FYI, I did not have any metric tools, so I used a 1-3/8" seemed to also work just as well... lol :P
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Many of them worked just right - but still have 4 or 5 problem holes. Even the flat top clips won't stay in place. :(
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I've been there and also lost some original clips while driving.
Attached are photos I just took to demonstrate how to shape the clips just enough to easily snap into position.
It works easy if you have a heat gun, but a hair dryer will work good too. You will need a large socket (I used a 34mm socket) and a 1/2" socket on an extension (the extension will save your fingers from getting burnt).
Don't be afraid to get the clip hot enough to be malleable, but don't melt it or overdo the pressing part.
Good luck!
Mike
I never had to deal with hood insulation but great suggestion and picture how to Mike!
Jeff, for the remaining clips do they just need to be a little longer in your view?
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Thanks Chick!
Jeff,
I wonder if heating the clip shaft and using a flat blade screwdriver and widening the shaft will work.
Mike
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I used a piece of black plastic and pushed it thru the center slot with a screwdriver. I pushed until it was at a depth where the pin was to widen and hold it in place. Been working well for many years. BTW, this is with the moulded 68 pad.
Steve
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Off to my shop today to grab some more originals. Something that should be so easy... lol :(
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Ok, I tried all the other recommendations, not all would hold securely. Some popped out over night.
Some seem to hold, but I really don't trust them.
I think I found the definitive solution...
I took a 1/16" vacuum port cap and pushed it over the clip, went most of the way down, but left a little on top.
They must be pushed in forcefully, but these are in FOR GOOD. Pretty sure I would have to break them to get them out.
These are not going anywhere EVER.... :D
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Great idea Jeff. I've been holding off on buying a new moulded pad for this reason but, now I'm getting one and will do this.
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Flexible Vinyl Push-On Round Caps from a variety of sources.
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This is RAS68 - I started this thread last year. I have been following this with much interest. I too tried a few things such as the trimming of the front clips and even putting a small piece of black plastic between the halves to make them stay. Some of the clips would go through deep enough and stay, some would not stay long and some I had a very hard time getting to snap in place through the liner. I tried the flat point screwdriver trick but it just cut through one of the clips ( maybe I was too ham handed on that one). I eventually gave up after several clips had fallen out and a few places where the holes in the liner tore through to the edge. To make matters worse, there were some clips that I could hardly get out once I made the decision to go without the under hood pad. So I sympathize with Jeff. I have a question to the wider Camaro community on this forum- how do the Bow Tie and concours winners at Camaro Nationals get their under hood insulation pads to stay in? What clips do they buy or source them from?