foam insulation under carpet

[joshwilson3]

On my 89 I had some firewall leaks that let water run under the carpet on the floorboards. The factory foam insulation for the floorpans and tranny tunnel is ruined and needs to be replaced.

I did get some sound deadner that is supposed to go down first, then the foam insulation, then the carpet.

What are you guys using to replace the factory foam insulation? I did hear about a company that makes some foam insulation to go under their carpet, but you have to buy a whole kit for $150. As I'm just needing to do the front.

I had thought about getting it from a parts car, but that is always a gamble as it could of already had water damage. I think I've read of people getting stuff from Lowe's, but I don't know if they are using that under the factory foam insulation, or to REPLACE the factory foam insulation.

I'll also need to replace one of the drain plugs in the floorpan as well.

 

[joshwilson3]

Bump. Gotta get started on this soon as it is starting to get cold.

 

[Curious George]

The factory "padding" under the carpet is called jute. It is a by product of manufacturing and is used for insulation. Companies sell "other" under carpet padding / insulation, but who knows how good it is or works. The jute actually works well for its intended purpose. Call your local wholesaler who sells vinyl / carpet / head liner material to local installation shops and you can get jute for a very good price (read - cheap). This jute will not be molded like the factory jute, but it is easy to cut and work with.

CG

 

[joshwilson3]

The factory "padding" under the carpet is called jute. It is a by product of manufacturing and is used for insulation. Companies sell "other" under carpet padding / insulation, but who knows how good it is or works. The jute actually works well for its intended purpose. Call your local wholesaler who sells vinyl / carpet / head liner material to local installation shops and you can get jute for a very good price (read - cheap). This jute will not be molded like the factory jute, but it is easy to cut and work with.

CG

Thanks. I've been looking into it and see alot of mention of people using Reflectix from Lowe's for a heat barrier. I'm assuming when they install this they are throwing away the factory Jute? Or putting the factory Jute back in?

I'm thinking of just going with Reflectix. I could use the precut sound deadner kit I got as a template. The other plus, is if I get a future firewall water leak, I would have less of a chance of having mildew smell since there isn't any Jute there for the mildew to eat.

I had some strange firewall water leaks that I've never seen mentioned before. So, they must have been caused by body flexing, or when it was lifted wrong in the past to open up a seam or loosen a rivet.

 

[joshwilson3]

Bump. So you guys who have replaced your factory insulation, what did you use? I'm needing to replace the floorboard and tranny tunnel insulation, and would like something that keeps the heat back. Right now, the only thing I can find to use if Reflectix. I've got the car apart waiting for insulation.