So, I have just installed my new (repro fiberglass) lower console and I notice a lot of heat still coming from the trans hump area, right where my leg rests against the console as I drive. The top of shift plate/deck area and passenger side of the console get noticeably hot, as well. I have noticed this before, but the original console was much thicker and somewhat padded. I'm thinking of removing the console and wrapping some insulation under it as it does get quite hot. But before I do, does this much heat sound normal? Is this a symptom of something I need to address? I'm not looking forward to stop and go traffic in the heat of Summer if I can't block out that heat somehow.

Hey Faz,

Here's the post where I did my floors. THe adhesive backed, rubberized foil insulation I used for sound and heat insulation has worked out very well. This weekend with temps in the 80's I took a long ride, top up in the rain. My console was cool to the touch. My front ashtry was warm and I pulled it out and the insulation under it was warmer still.

Previously it would have been radiating heat like crazy.

I think the key was that I removed the metal plate above the trans and placed a piece of the insulation on the underside of the plate, foil side down facing the transmission, then as you can see in the picture also heavily insulated the top and the rest of the console area. I also replaced the inner boot which also helps.

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 30&t=18105

Exit98 wrote:Hey Faz,

Here's the post where I did my floors. THe adhesive backed, rubberized foil insulation I used for sound and heat insulation has worked out very well. This weekend with temps in the 80's I took a long ride, top up in the rain. My console was cool to the touch. My front ashtry was warm and I pulled it out and the insulation under it was warmer still.

Previously it would have been radiating heat like crazy.

I think the key was that I removed the metal plate above the trans and placed a piece of the insulation on the underside of the plate, foil side down facing the transmission, then as you can see in the picture also heavily insulated the top and the rest of the console area. I also replaced the inner boot which also helps.

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 30&t=18105

Fantastic job, Doug! I've never seen a green interior like yours before. And your dash, damn, is that stitched leather?
So, question: when you say you placed the insulation under the shift plate, did you remove the metal plate, or still use it? Mine doesn't wanna fit just right uner the console, so I don't care if I have to loose it.

another alternative is



When using foam padding or jute backing, unwanted moisture can easily be the cause of early deterioration in the floor of the vehicle.

Less than 1oz per sq. ft.
Excellent fire rating.
No bubbles to pop.
Absorbs NO MOISTURE!
1/4" Closed cell foam.
Reflects temperatures over 900°
99% Aluminum facing.
Reflects 97% infrared heat.
Meets DOT FMVSS 302 standards.

Fantastic job, Doug! I've never seen a green interior like yours before. And your dash, damn, is that stitched leather?
So, question: when you say you placed the insulation under the shift plate, did you remove the metal plate, or still use it? Mine doesn't wanna fit just right uner the console, so I don't care if I have to loose it.

Thanks Faz.

First of all yes re-installed the metal plate on top of the trans. I put the foil insulation on the bottom, foil down toward the trans, then insulated the top along with everthing else. In other words I made a sandwich with the plate as the meat. You definitely want to put it back on. It uses 6 (I think) plastic snap on nuts to capture the screws, very fragile. If you lost or broke any of them I think you can find some similar metal style ones at Lowes or I'll bet McMasters has something that could work.

I can't take credit for the interior, i bought it that way, although I've cleaned, repaired, re-dyed much of it. The dash is stiched, not leather, vinyl, but it looks good. Glove box doesn't fit right though, new wood next on the list along with a steering wheel restoration.

We've all got long lists.