The best thermal protection?

[Deleted User]

Rick suggested a new thread for this, so here goes:

What do you guys/gals think is the best thermal/sound barriers are?

Is Dynamat the best out there? Or has anyone had good experience with other materials?

I ask this because of the excessive summer heat we have here in the Valley. I know because as I wait for an a/c compressor for my Range Rover, I have to drive it (as little as possible I try) around now with ne a/c and 108-112 degree temperatures. My Coupe will be parked outside so I am concerned about keeping the inside of the car as cool as humanly possible. I do plan to install a Vintage or Hot Rod a/c system, but you still need as much heat protection as possible. And also want to quiet so noise inside at the same time.

So, any ideas?

Jay

rambos_ride

Here's an article on the use of Dynamat:
http://www.classictrucks.com/tech/0409cl_high_tech_dynamat_products/

Also, you might want to look around for the June 2007 issue of Rodder's Digest (Yo - Dan!) - It's got an article on "Lizard Skin Ceramic Insulation", an insulation that is normally sprayed on (in several thin coats) until you achieve the desired thickness.
Here's a Google search on it -
http://www.google.com/search?as_q=&hl=en&num=10&btnG=Google+Search&as_epq=Lizard+Skin+Ceramic+Insulation&as_oq=&as_eq=&lr=&as_ft=i&as_filetype=&as_qdr=all&as_nlo=&as_nhi=&as_occt=any&as_dt=i&as_sitesearch=&as_rights=&safe=images

Here's an article from Custom Rodder (related to Rodder's Digest):
http://www.customrodder.com/tech/0507cr_spray_on_auto_undercoating/

I just picked up the newest issue of Rodders Digest and didn't even break the cover open yet!

Lizard skin is some neat looking stuff and much lighter than using dynamat or some other similar material ~ but is pretty darn spendy itself.

I get a good chuckle when I watch these "reality shows" and they plaster that dynamat everywhere on the inside of the build car - this adds at least a couple HUNDRED pounds to your car.

The real truth to the dynamat stuff is that its best used in narrow strips to take up panel vibration - but somehow they've got people convinced they need to cover every square inch of metal interior to get the insulation and sound deadening qualities.

Here is a link you should read through on another forum that talks in length about adding microspheres to latex or automotive paint...you'll see plenty of my input there as well!

http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/alternative-lizard-skin-103610.html?highlight=lizard+skin

The gist is you can purchase the microshperes in bulk and add them to ANY paint. I am going to use high heat/chemical resistant automotive chassis paint and add the microshperes to the mix. This will be applied in the engine compartment and the interior tub - who cares about the trunk?

I will use some dynamat type material, but only small strips as outlined above.

This will give me superior protection at a much lower cost than Lizard Skin, or full out dynamat and I can do it myself.

The main thing is you HAVE to use appropriate respirator protection because the microshperes are really stinking light and if you breathe them in you might just die!

[Deleted User]

I read that thread awhile back Dan, some interesting stuff. I've got 5 18"x32" sheets of Dynamat already free (my neighbor nabs a sheet here and there from their resto jobs for me). But those spheres stuff sounds like it might be a good insulator. Might be better spraying that stuff on the inside roof as well, since thats where I'm going to pick up a lot of heat as well.

rambos_ride

Loved that thread! Spent at least an hour going through it... My thought was possibly to mix the microspheres with POR15 (or the equivalent)... Do you think that would have a negative impact on the rust preventative properties of that type of paint/covering?

No - that won't change any of the properties of the paint - other than add an isulating quality. The biggest thing is when you mix them into the paint you have to be careful not to stir too hard and don't use a shaker.

I can't find a rating for POR15 on the heat resistence, I'd imagine it would be close to Eastwoods Rust Encapsulator at 400 degrees - but POR20 is rated at 1400 degrees and black velvet is 1200 degrees - I'd think the addition of the microshperes would work well with any of these products.