Reflectix insulation for heat and noise reduction?

[Scott M.]

I am getting ready to start the install of new carpet in my 72 coupe, beginning in the rear area. I purchased from a Corvette parts supplier, quite some time ago, a set of pre-cut, foil backed carpet insullations to use for heat and noise reduction. They have limited coverage since they are pre-cut. I have heard of a few people using Reflectix brand insulation that you can buy at your local home improvement store. Reasons being that it is cheaper and you can get more coverage since you cut it yourself.
Anybody have any experience or thoughts on this? Durability? Performance? Ease of installation?

Thanks
Scott

[David H.]

Re: Reflectix insulation for heat and noise reduction?

Gary Chestnut wrote an excellent INSULATION article for the Restorer a couple of years ago. He tested several materials and cooling results.

A link to one of the threads on the boards is here:

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?66420-Restorer-Article-by-Gary-Chestnut&highlight=insulation

Gary also posted a link to the pdf file if that Restorer is not readily available:

NCRS Restorer Article-Cabin Insulation Road Test_073008.pdf

[Scott M.]

Re: Reflectix insulation for heat and noise reduction?

Thanks for the info David! Looks like the Reflectix insulation is bascally the same thing as the Energy Q radiant barrier. Same construction and thickness. Performed well too.

[Clark E.]

Re: Reflectix insulation for heat and noise reduction?

Hi Scott...I'm finishing a frame-off on our '70 roadster and noted your thread regarding Reflectix. I'm thinking of using it and would like to benefit from your experience installing the product and your satisfaction with it from a heat and noise perspective. Did you install it length-wise in the front from front to rear or across from the console to the door sill? If you glued it, what type of adhesive did you use? Any and all "tips" will be much appreciated...Clark

[Michael D.]

Re: Reflectix insulation for heat and noise reduction?

Folks have been using Reflectix for years.

[Jim D.]

Re: Reflectix insulation for heat and noise reduction?

I've tried several different products and have found Thermo-guard to be very good. I've used the 2 sided foil in the last 3 cars I've built. http://www.thermotec.com/products/14...-guard-fr.html

[Scott M.]

Re: Reflectix insulation for heat and noise reduction?

Hi Clark. I have been using the brand that is sold at Home Depot. I think it may be Reflectix. I have had no issues with the installation of it. My advise though, if you want it to form fit the best, get some poster board, cut some scrap pieces and use tape to make templates especially in areas that have complex curves. I then transfer them over to a whole piece of poster board. Then I can just flip it when I need to make a piece for the other side. I have a whole bunch of templates made for the rear of my coup. Remember to label what side is what and directions of install and so on. Also keep in mind that Reflectix has a bit if thickness to it so it. I use 3M general spray adhesive 08088 to glue it down. Works great. I use foil tape to cover all the seems and it makes it look nice. I should also note that I have installed sound deadening underneath the reflectix.

[John F.]

Re: Reflectix insulation for heat and noise reduction?

I have the reflectix in one of my cars and I am very satisfied with reducing heat. I have never put an IR gun to it. I went from the inside firewall all the way up behind the seats.

[Clark E.]

Re: Reflectix insulation for heat and noise reduction?

Thanks Scott...Your last comment regarding installing sound deadening underneath the Reflectix intrigued me. I had planned to install the Reflectix first and then the jute padding that came with the carpeting as I wanted to cover all flooring, console, area behind the seats and wheel wells with Reflectix. Do I have the installation sequence reversed?

[Pete B.]

Re: Reflectix insulation for heat and noise reduction?

I used Reflectix if that is what Home Depot sells on my 71. It was easy to install I used a little bit of spray adhesive on the edges. Make sure you cut a good area out around the bottom of the gas pedal or you will have a hair raising experience when the gas pedal gets stuck....like cruise control but no release!!! (Ask me how I know) Good heat insulation...forget the noise benefits as you have so much other noise coming in...tires exhaust wind etc...