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Re: Gear box tunnel padding

To: James Carpenter <james.carpenter@jccsystems.swinternet.co.uk>
Subject: Re: Gear box tunnel padding
From: Joe Curry <spitlist@gte.net>
Date: Wed, 21 Apr 1999 16:57:42 -0700


James Carpenter wrote:
> 
> Joe is the stuff you are refiring to foam space filler?  The stuff
> recomended on that VW site.  Got from DIY stores.  If so cool I know what
> you meen by it :-)

I did buy one can of a product called "Great Stuff" yesterday and after
cleaning the inside of my Tunnel cover, I sprayed a single layer of it
with the layer growing to about 3/4" thick.  This is just about the
right thickness.  I had to trim some of it with a rasp (course file)
because it cannot be applied evenly and some of the peaks have to be cut
down.  Also the edges and the opening at the rear for the shifter will
have to be shaped.  

I found out that one can does not cover (it might if you are
conservative with your installation) but since it was my first attempt
at such an installation, I didn't really use any conservative process. 
But the cost was less than 4 bucks for a can so no problem.  

I tested some of the cured foam for flammability and yes it burns, but
not violently and does take a bit of deliberation to get it going, so
considering its distance form the exhaust system, I am not going to be
concerned about the fire potential.  After I get it pre-fit, I will take
the time to apply a layer of preservative to keep the insulation from
soaking up oil and debris.  

But the weight is much less than the original so that is helpful.  
> 
> My one consern with all of these heat insulation things is cooking your
> gearbox.
> 
> If you don't let enough air pass through the temperature of the gearbox will
> go up, making the insulation work harder, and leading to the oil braking
> down.  I suspect the worse effected transmitions will be OD types.   Make
> shure there is enough space for air to circulate arround the box.  I would
> also put recomend tin foil.

Shouldn't be any concern here, since I am trimming the foam to about the
original size.

> I still cant descide wether to repair my fiber cover or go for a fiberglass
> replacement.  There is alot to be said about the sound dedaning propertys of
> fiberbord.  But if this foam works, I recon its probebly worth me ditching
> the fiber cover.

I recommend the ABS plastic ones as opposed to the fiberglass.  They are
more forgiving when you are trying to fit them and they are less apt to
crack.
> 
> I will however cut a hatch in the cover to facilitat the access to the
> gearbox oil level thing.

I have been looking at that and decided that if you have a long tube,
you can slip it down to the opening from the engine bay, after removing
the plug from below.
> 
> Oh and heres a question for all of you with your cover off.  What hight is
> the center of the propshaft from the top of the chassis rail.  I am
> currently guessing with mine, but need to get the engin level correct!

Since the Driveshaft (propshaft) is being shortened to fit the OD unit,
I can't tell.  

Regards,
Joe

-- 
"If you can't excel with talent, triumph with effort."
 -- Dave Weinbaum in National Enquirer



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