Carpet Insulation

[1971ChevyTruck]

JC Whitney sells 4 different types of insulation for the carpet. One type os the rubber damping pannels. I have heard these hold the water and can cause rust. Then they have some fiber insulation that comes in either 3/8th inch or 1/2 in thickness. Then they have some alluminum coated stuff that is supposed to be mildew proof and everything. Any ideas on which to use???

[Green Machine]

ttt for ya, I need same recomendations/info too

[4x4Poet]

What are you looking for in the padding's characteristics.

1. Won't absorb & hold water?
2. Heat shielding?
3. Soundproofing?
4. No condensation?
5. Some combo of the above.

From the carpet mfr choices I've seen, they scrimp on the padding. The alum backed stuff is usually carpet remnants glued to the aluminum "foil." The carpet remnants hold water against metal to help rust occur. The more common padding is just carpet remnants glued together as a pad and such pads, obviously, also absorb water.

From what I've seen, the only padding that doesn't absorb water is either rubber or is one of the soundproofing products (brownbread, dynamat, etc.). Rubber doesn't breathe, so condensation can occur and not dry out easily. The soundproofing products work great but can cost more than the carpet for full coverage! I hope someone posts a cheaper alternative that doesn't absorb and hold water.

[71-longbed]

i hope so too !! i need a good suggestion .. other than over-priced dyna mat and brown bread

[70c10]

I bought Thermo shield off ebay for about $20 delivered. You use spray adhesive to make it fit like a glove. Works great!. This is the guy I bought it from:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...spagename=WDVW

[355]

Here's another one. This guy also sells on ebay, but at the same price as his store. I would like to compare the R value with the above post. http://www.lobucrod.com./ Steve

[Green Machine]

What about 30 pound (not the 15 lb thin stuff) roofing felt/tar paper, like you use under shingles or siding ?. It repels liquid water but will let water vapor through. Kind of heavy, maybe use 2 or 3 or 4 layers, might help sound proof , 1 roll of 30 lb covers 200 sq ft so if you mess up no big deal and a roll only costs about 20 bucks.

What do you think of that, I've be trying to decide if that would work ???

[oj70chevy]

Here is where I was looking for the carpet and the padding. What do you think? http://www.stockinteriors.com/HeatSo...=31&ModelId=88

[71-longbed]

lmc has similar stuff for less http://www.lmctruck.com/features/CB/...vrolet-C20.htm.... i cant decide ....

[Jakes-66-K10]

Great thread I'm getting ready to do this same thing on my pickup. Carpet is on the way and I've been wondering what the best insulation is. When you guys apply this do you put the deadener just under your feet/firewall area or go all the way back (under the seat)?

[71-longbed]

with sound deadner ... more the better

[4x4Poet]

Originally Posted by 70c10

I bought Thermo shield off ebay for about $20 delivered. You use spray adhesive to make it fit like a glove. Works great!. This is the guy I bought it from:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...spagename=WDVW

Originally Posted by oj70chevy

Here is where I was looking for the carpet and the padding. What do you think? http://www.stockinteriors.com/HeatSo...=31&ModelId=88

Originally Posted by 71-longbed

lmc has similar stuff for less http://www.lmctruck.com/features/CB/...vrolet-C20.htm.... i cant decide ....

All fine products that insulate well, but their padding will absorb moisture. Also, I want to avoid using spray adhesive since I always want to be able to inspect the metal under the mat/carpet.

Originally Posted by 355

Here's another one. This guy also sells on ebay, but at the same price as his store. I would like to compare the R value with the above post. http://www.lobucrod.com./ Steve

I think you have found the carpet or rubber floormat insulation that is cheap, heat shielding, and won't absorb moisture:

"Prevents condensation and WILL NOT mildew and WILL NOT retain moisture like cotton or jute backed products."

The closed cell foam backing the alum heat shield won't block sound as well as Dynamat, Brownbread, etc., but it will do a great job for much less.

Also, because it is available in 4x10 foot sizes, one could use it in one piece after trimming it to fit under the carpet/mat just before the seat. Add more sheets as needed or use sound deadener rearward of the seat since all the rust action occurs ahead of the front (front for burbs/blazers) seat. Since it is foam affixed to alum weave(?), it should pull up in one piece to allow inspections underneath.

Great find! Thanks.