Carpet padding?

[wbdvt]

Hello,

As this is my first LBC (1980 Triumph Spitfire), I have had many questions and this site, the Haynes manuals and parts catalogs have been a wealth of information.

However, I have not been able to find this answer. I pulled the seats and carpet up and ordered a new gearbox cover to replace the falling apart fiber one. This caused to ponder if there ever was or should be be a layer of felt, like 1/2" thickness under the carpet? The carpet seems thin and sits directly on the metal.

 

[Geo Hahn]

Never had a Spitfire, but all my TRs have had padding there and I can't imagine yours wouldn't have too. Original or no -- it is a useful place for some padding for insulation of noise and heat.

1/2" might be a bit much, my TRs had jute pads that were perhaps 3/8" when new (and much thinner now). A thinner pad will also allow use of one of the foiled choices that provide much better temp insulation if that is an issue (maybe not so much so in VT -- a must for a happy passenger in AZ).

 

[vagt6]

Hello, WDVT. Padding is good, but please be sure to use something that isn't flammable.

Not good to have flammable material literally under your "bum".

Good luck with your car, let us know . . .

 

[JohnnyMead]

On my TR3 I replaced the rather thin original pad on the gearbox cover with the foil-on-one-side felt padding Moss sells. The stuff is pretty thin, but carpet feels cooler. The roll they sell has enough material to pad some other interior areas, or save for another project.
John

 

[wbdvt]

Thanks Mark....any recommendations? I was thinking about going to the local carpet place and see what they have in the 1/4" - 3/8" range

 

[Geo Hahn]

Since this isn't going to be underfoot -- you might also look at the stuff sold at The Home Depot (and elsewhere) for wrapping water heaters.

 

[vagt6]

Geo, that's what I put in my GT6, it was effective. It's fire-resistant, too.

It may be worthwhile to go ahead and spring for some DynaMat. It's the best and widely available. And, it is designed specifically for this application (sometimes, it pays to use the "right stuff").

 

[poolboy]

I've had cars with both the Dynamat type insulation and the "Space Age" insulation padding that both Moss and Victoria British sell.
The "space age" stuff is thicker and makes the carpet feel padded and really does a good job of insulation of heat and sound.
The Dynamat doesn't do anything in the padding department, but it does insulate well.

 

[vettedog72]

Padding was under my original carpet on my TR6. As you work through your decision be sure to allow some spacers under your seat rails so your seat can move front to back with minimum interference with the carpet. If your seat rails are like the TR6 you will not be able to adjust the seat with out spacers between the seat rails and the metal floor pan.