I used to be hot footed, now I have cold feet. (install)

[SavageSun4x4]

After getting my Jeep LineX’d I noticed that it seemed to be cooler on the floorboards. Well that was short lived, since I was only taking some short trips in town. Stretch out the legs on the Jeep some and one finds out quick that while the LineX does provide some degree of insulation, he only for a brief time. After a while, the floorboard and trans tunnel gets hot, very hot. Looking around for a solution and being in the solution store I saw an item on the closeout rack that screamed, “get your cool feet here.” There before me for only $4.98 was an aluminized windshield heat reflector. I grabbed it, paid my ducats, and hurried home to install.

Installed on: ’03 Jeep w/5spd trans

Tools needed:
Pair of scissors
Tube of adhesive
Roll of duct tape

Install:
I slid under my Jeep and eyed out the layout of the transmission, transfer case and other assorted bits. The windshield reflector has a neat trimmed and edged cutout in the middle for going around the rear view mirror. This is provides nice fitment around the base of the transmission shifter and allows good centering of the reflector.

You only use about the center 1/3 of the reflector and the top ¼. You cut mostly square with the rearview mirror cutout in the center. On the right hand side where the 4wd shifter handle bracket is bolted to the tunnel you will cut in about 4” and down at a 45 degree angle.

Installing is easy as slipping the reflector up and over the transmission, centering the mirror cutout on the shifter stub and pushing the left [cat side] down and behind the cat heat shield.

Now take your adhesive [I used Automotive Goop] and squeeze a bead on the upper front and down to the right edge and back to the 4wd shifter bracket. Press into the tunnel and place some tabs of duct tape on the edges you just glued to hold them in place as it dries.

Cost:
Less than $10 even if you have to buy adhesive which you can always use more of.

Time:
About 10-15 min

Pics at www.savagesun4x4.com

[Linda]

Don,

Are you using the foil covered "bubble wrap" type windshield heat reflector?

[SavageSun4x4]

Don,

Are you using the foil covered "bubble wrap" type windshield heat reflector?
Yes it seems like something along those lines. My other option was the Big $$ stuff at Loper's speed shop. This stuff might melt on me but time will tell.

[AZJeeps TJ&XJ]

Finally, someone has done something I have been thinking about. I have been toying with that idea for over a year now. Except, I have been looking at the reflective stuff from Lowes, I think it is like $24 for a 12" X 20' roll. I think it is simular to the stuff Lopers sells.

I know when I put on some exhaust wrap on my XJ, the heat was reduced a good amount. It is nice to be able to reach up under the motor and tranny within 5 mins after it was running and not burning your arm.

Keep us updated on how good the adhesive holds up to the heat. Since that has been my concern of how to mount something like that up.

[Linda]

I have been looking for sound deadening and insulation for the Willy's project. One possibility is this stuff, which we found (made locally) http://www.bondedlogic.com/index.htm I think RV stores carry this product in small rolls.

[nate]

thanks for the install write up....since i ripped out the interior in my XJ i could cook an egg on the floor where the converter sits and i am constantly burning my rt. leg on long wheelin' trips......i see an install comming soon.

[SavageSun4x4]

I have been looking for sound deadening and insulation for the Willy's project. One possibility is this stuff, which we found (made locally) http://www.bondedlogic.com/index.htm I think RV stores carry this product in small rolls.
There is some stuff at Lowe's, Home Depot, Summit Racing and Loper's Speed shop. Many RV stores carry stuff also. All of it is high $$. Will this stuff hold up, melt or catch fire? Dunno. I'll walk this path and post in about a month or so how things go. If it makes it until Sept, I am driving to Moab. Guess that might be the big test. Anyway, I'll post and let you know.

Linda,
Sounds like you guys need a lot more than the small piece I used. The RV stores might be a better solution for you.

[AZJeeps TJ&XJ]

Don, If you still have any of it left, I would do some testing with it. like put a flame to it, or set it on something extremely hot. Just to see how it handles. You should be able to figure out what its limits will be. Just some quick ideas.

Also...How good does the GOOP Automitive stuff hold up. I have never tried it, but I did just pick some up. I used the Marine version a long time ago, but don't remember the results...I can't even remember what I used it on :rolleyes: I just remember the tube sitting on the shelf forever unti lit went hard.

[SavageSun4x4]

Don, If you still have any of it left, I would do some testing with it. like put a flame to it, or set it on something extremely hot. Just to see how it handles. You should be able to figure out what its limits will be. Just some quick ideas.

Also...How good does the GOOP Automitive stuff hold up. I have never tried it, but I did just pick some up. I used the Marine version a long time ago, but don't remember the results...I can't even remember what I used it on :rolleyes: I just remember the tube sitting on the shelf forever unti lit went hard.

Being that its just plastic I suspect it can't handle a flame or much else in the way of direct applied heat.

GOOP: They make several types. Auto, Marine, etc, etc. I have used it for years and found it to be a very good all purpose adhesive and sealant. Especialy when you don't want to use your good silcone ATV's and other stuff that is more pricey.

Some of the best stuff out there is 3M Weatherstrip adhesive. Comes in two colors, yellow and black. This stuff WORKS!, but once its stuck, its stuck, NO repositioning or moving at all. Expect to take a flap sanding wheel or a steel wire rotaing brush to remove it. Ask me I KNOW!

[azjeepcjman]

Quite a while ago I bought material from Mesa Sales that solved the problem in my CJ. It is actual material used under auto carpet to insulate and deaden sound. They sell it in several varieties. One of the options is with the bubble wrap insulation on one side, and then with the regular padding/insulation sandwiched to that. It made an incredible difference in both temp and noise. If you have carpet in your Jeep it just goes under the carpet. They sell it by the foot so you can get any size. One of these days I'll do the rest of the Jeep as I only did from high on the firewall to under the front seats. Well worth the time and effort.

[Linda]

Linda,
Sounds like you guys need a lot more than the small piece I used. The RV stores might be a better solution for you.

Not only do we need to do the firewall, but we also need to do all the vertical surfaces inside, the ceiling, and figure out a way to sound deaden under the cargo area. I would like to be able to carry on a conversation inside the wagon without having to yell. It'll be a big job. :)

[SavageSun4x4]

Not only do we need to do the firewall, but we also need to do all the vertical surfaces inside, the ceiling, and figure out a way to sound deaden under the cargo area. I would like to be able to carry on a conversation inside the wagon without having to yell. It'll be a big job. :)
How about LineX,its a very good sound deadner?

[SavageSun4x4]

Well today I drove around town testing out my "heat shield". I stayed off the freeway to get some good stop'n go driving in around noon. I let the Jeep idle w/AC on while at the off road shop ordering some parts. All told I drove about 2+ hours, outside temp was a steady 110. Got home and checked out the plastic. Yep, its still there, not melted even where it was above the cat. One day a test does not make so I will keep observing. We are going to be getting some low 1-teens temps over the weekend and I will see how it lasts. I couldn't really tell if the trans tunnel was cooler as it takes a while for the heat to soak thru the LineX.

[Linda]

How about LineX,its a very good sound deadner?

I will be using a rubberized floor coating in the cargo area, but even with the really long muffler (30" ?), the diesel noise will come through. There's a lot of space in the back of a Willys wagon.