Replace tranny hump insulation???

[JRowe]

I have a '94 D90. The rubber insulation over the tranny hump and around the fuse panel is old, cracking, and falling apart. To replace it would be like $300+. that's crazy. So I'm thinking about just removing the insulation. Then I would maybe take the money I would have spent to replace it and put it toward a Line-X coating on the inside.

Has anyone junked this insulation? What was the result? do you like it? Added heat or any issues?

Has anyone replaced the insulation w/ a spray-on bedliner? Again, how do you like it? Any issues? If someone has done this, pics would be great.

Thanks.

[Mike Hippert]

I was bored and came across this. I have done exactly what you are saying. I pulled out all of the rubber matts in the 90 and I Herculined the whole thing. I even did the lowe half of the dash as it was falling apart. The Herculiner covered alot of the small holes and cracks in everything. It looks much cleaner and nicer then before and is much easier to clean out.

[JRowe]

Thanks Mike. I've decided to do the same. I'm in the process of stripping the inside right now.

[Mike Hippert]

Cool! I used a plastic bristel brush that you put in your drill to scuff up the paint. It was allot easier then doing it by hand.

[JRowe]

Mike,

Do you have any pics of the finished product? I was thinking abut getting mine Rhinolined, but I'm sure the herculiner would be cheaper. did you do the whole inside or just up front? How much Herculiner did it take? What did you use to apply it and what kind of finish did you end up with?

[Mike Hippert]

The hole job took about a day and 1/2. I used 1.25 gallons, they sell the kit for about $100 that includes a brush for dabbing on the paint, 2 rollers, 1 gallon of paint, and a scotchbright pad. I did the front and back as the rubber matt in the back was also in bad shape. Before you can paint it on you have to scuff up the surface, then hose it out and wipe it down with asatone (I bought the asatone at Homedepot) then tape off whatever you do not want covered. The painting is the easy part. I just dabbed it on with the brush for the hole thing. I also picked up a second brush for the second coat. Before I started I removed the seats, Tuffy boxes, and Seatbelts. It seems like allot but it did not take me more then a day and 1/2, that is from pulling the muddy 90 into the driveway to pulling out with everything back in. My camera is at home so I will take some picks tonight.

[artm]

Mike,

I assume you covered all bolt heads and screws?

How is the final finish: rough or smooth as before?

What about painting over any rust, is this advisable?

I guess it's worth paying a visit to Herculiner's site.

[JRowe]

Mike,

How thick is the covering w/ two coats? Did you use the entire gallon? I read some guys post where he talked about applying 3 coats. Do you think it would be worth it or make much difference? Did the herculiner help eliminate any noise, rattles, vibrations, etc?

[Mike Hippert]

Boy I'm glad I pulled this one from the dead! I did not cover all the bolts, I found that if you grab the bolt head with pliers and twist you twisted the liner off allthough I did not paint over many bolts because I removed everything.

The finish: Well the paint is filled with small chunks of rubber, This gives a ruff finish. If you push on it it gives a little but if you drag your skin across it is like 40 grit sandpaper.

As far as rust goes, I sanded it down to metal per the instructions.

THe covering is not that thick, it is the same as normal paint but with chunks in it. I used 1 and 1/4 gallons. I think it eliminated some of the vibs and rattles and maybe a small amount of road noise elimination.

I have seen the Line-Ex in thae back of my Bosses truck. It goes on about 1/8 to 1/4 inches thick. I think it would be better as far as sound goes but it is not rubbery like the matts were it is more like a thick plastic.