Installing tunnel insulation with transmission and shifter in place- C3

[Mark E.]

The exhaust project continues to grow- replacing the exhaust led to repairing the battery box (dusty job), which led to cleaning the floor pan (messy job), replacing battery cables (harder than it sounds with these cars), which now leads to the prospect of replacing the tunnel insulation.

Questions:

- Can the insulation be installed with the 4-speed and shifter in place? What if the opening for the shifter is cut down the side so the insulation can be rotated around, up and in place? Other methods?

- Another thread mentioned that aftermarket insulation differs in stiffness. Some are more pliable and hence more easily installed. Any particular source recommended?

- What's the purpose of the small hole on top near the front (see photo)?



Insulation.jpg

[Mark E.]

Re: Installing tunnel insulation with transmission and shifter in place- C3

Closing this out: I ended up installing new tunnel insulation by cutting it from the shifter opening to the left outside edge, then slid it in place by rotating it around the transmission from the right side. The cut was then sealed with Reflectix foil tape which matches the underside of the insulation. The tape is not noticeable unless you look for it.



The exhaust was removed which made the job easier. I used this opportunity to clean the underside of the tunnel and transmission case, then also installed a new foam collar around the bellhousing.

[Larry M.]

Re: Installing tunnel insulation with transmission and shifter in place- C3

Mark,

I've been looking at the tunnel insulation on ours and thinking of replacing it. Which vendor did you get yours from? And did the reason for the hole become evident?

Larry

[Mark E.]

Re: Installing tunnel insulation with transmission and shifter in place- C3

I sourced the insulation from Paragon because it was on sale at the time. It fit fine and didn't have the small hole I wondered about.

[Larry M.]

Re: Installing tunnel insulation with transmission and shifter in place- C3

Thanks, Mark!

[Bob W.]

Re: Installing tunnel insulation with transmission and shifter in place- C3

Mark, Did you find out what is the purpose of the small hole?

[Mark E.]

Re: Installing tunnel insulation with transmission and shifter in place- C3

I'm not sure, but I don't think the replacement insulation had that small hole. I need to crawl under to refresh my memory. So I'm not certain if originals have that hole or not.

[Justin S.]

Re: Installing tunnel insulation with transmission and shifter in place- C3

Would the whole be for the emergency brake cable?

[Larry E.]

Re: Installing tunnel insulation with transmission and shifter in place- C3

Mark: How did you secure it to the "Tunnel" or just let it hang there. If so does it not move around a bit? Larry

[Mark E.]

Re: Installing tunnel insulation with transmission and shifter in place- C3

Would the whole be for the emergency brake cable?

I'll check the next time I'm under there. Meanwhile, maybe a real expert will tell us.

[Mark E.]

Re: Installing tunnel insulation with transmission and shifter in place- C3

There are four sets of retaining tangs riveted to the floor. Straighten them, position the insulation, poke them through the insulation, then bend them back.

[Mark E.]

Re: Installing tunnel insulation with transmission and shifter in place- C3

I looked under the car but could not see why there would be a small hole on the top of the insulation near the front driver's side. The battery and speedo cables are on the passenger side. The reverse lamp wiring is on the driver's side but it has its own clip on the floorboard.

As mentioned before, unlike the photo in my original post the replacement insulation didn't have this hole. Google search images show replacement insulation with and without this hole.

So the mystery continues.

[Terry M.]

Re: Installing tunnel insulation with transmission and shifter in place- C3

Could it be for the wires for the kick-down on the TH400? Just a question, as I have little experience with a TH440 in a Corvette, yet.