Step 2 Insulating the Cab

[bob270win]

It took awhile to get the time to start this little project , but I did get half the cab insulated and added some rubber floormat to it. I guess I'm a little more thorough and wanted to get it right . Here's some pics so far. I will be able to finish the project next week. since it's well into the 100s here and the work is done out on the street infront of the house . When she's done I'll post the rest of the pics.

 

[srodocker]

what liner did you use and what type of rubber. that looks freaking awesome!

 

[bob270win]

The liner is called Zilla Mat , I used their 80mil thick product . The floor mat is just a stall mat that is 1/2" thick . Very sturdy and durable . Should last quite awhile .

 

[rrrr]

Waiting on a test drive result for noise, very nice !

 

[Barris]

Is that AC under the dash?

 

[jaxsof]

Really great work, but you if you havent already, leave some provision to open the trans tunnel, just in case... Murphy likes it when you give him a chance to be difficult!

 

[bob270win]

Yup , that is a/c hanging under the dash . That was the priority in insulating the cab , keep all that engine heat outside instead of inside ! Had to think about how to get to things if necessary , you can't see it in the pics but the trans tunnel and master cylinder access are seamed to open up and have the access if Murphy so desires !

 

[Woodsplinter]

Bob, I have the same A/C unit from Boyce but haven't finished the install yet.
How is it working in our Az heat? Air temp, blows enough air? Also, any issues with the belts slipping/ squealing?

Thanks,
Mark

 

[bob270win]

Mark , the unit I got from Boyce , really pumps out some cold air. The problem with that is the cab of the deuce isn't insulated and has numerous points where engine heat(hot air) enters the cab . During this project I'm sealing up every little hole where that hot air can enter . You noticed the artic winterization boots for the tranny and transfer case. I think once I get the cab sealed off (even the windows are an issue) I will appreciate the a/c unit . I've had no problems with belts squealing and if you do , all you have to do is tighten up the tension on them just a bit ! . See you're up in Phoenix we should get the Deuce's together sometime. What other issues have you had with yours.?

 

[Woodsplinter]

Bob,
I'm also sealing up the holes (there's lots of them) and insulating with rubber and foam mats. Also replacing all the weatherstripping.
Haven't finished the A/C install but another SS member who saw photos of the belt routing thought we might have problems with belts slipping and not turning the alternator, water pump, etc.
Would definitely like to get together sometime & let the trucks "meet" each other!
Mark

 

[yellobronc]

Make sure you insulate the firewall.

I used the silver covered bubble wrap stuff in mine, and it worked wonders. to finish it off, I used 3M spray adhesive and coated it with OD canvas.

I went from driving with headphones and yelling at the passenger to no headphones and hearing my phone ring.

The only problem I had is that i did not insulate all the way up the firewall and that is the source of a lot of heat and noise. I was thinking about building a false wall between all the things bolted to the fire wall and insulating that. Have not done it yet.

Also, dont forget the back of the cab...and the door skins....


Insulating makes a HUGE difference

 

[bob270win]

Mark , I've taken a good look at the belt routing . All I can say is the water temp stays consistent (on the road) and the generator shows charging !..Bob

 

[Woodsplinter]

Bob, that's good to hear-won't worry about it unless something happens.
Yellobronc, thanks for the input!
I disconnected most of the pipes/hoses/bolts going through the firewall so I could cover it. Fitting the material in place and cutting holes for pipes, bolts, etc., has been very tedious and slow but should be well worth it.
Covering the firewall & floors with heavy rubberized foam and vinyl coated foam on can walls & ceiling. Not sure what to do about doors. Any suggestions?

 

[bob270win]

Thanks Yellobronc, for your input . Mark , I need to get into the doors to skin the insides . The driver door is a little problem in that the window when rolled up doesn't align properly . Gonna get a new regulator and window channels to see if that works. I've got the hard top so there are some areas that need to be Zilla'd . Most of the rest of the hard top has a military style insul. pad installed . I really like the Zilla mat , it's self adhesive and simple to install ! All you do is cut it to fit and slap it on.

 

[Woodsplinter]

The foam in my hardtop crumbled like dust so I removed all of it. Let us know how tough the regulator install really is.
Pricey little devils!

 

[yellobronc]

Sounds like the zilla stuff is pretty cool.

Its going to be darn nice when you are done. You are taking a lot of time to do the firewall but it will pay off bigtime.

If your doors are not too bad, I think there is room to spray adhere the thinner bubble stuff inside the doors. Cut the stuff, fit it, spray it, then put it inside via the panels at the bottom. Zilla may be too thick to work with inside the doors.

You might use that stuff and make door panels, mabye covering it with vynal, canvas, etc. Definately show more pics as you go.

I have not done mine, I am thinking about making panels, possibly covering them in canvas for the look.

I have seen people using green vynal...as well.

 

[bob270win]

Yup as the project goes so will the pics, I should be able to finish Tues or Wed next week ! I'm also hoping the Zilla is not too thick to skin the insides of the doors ! I'll let you all know !Everyone have a great Memorial Day weekend ! I've got to work Sat at the range , and Sunday doing a Field Day for Arizona Game and Fish ! Fly the Stars and Stripes and watch her wave in the wind !

 

[m-35tom]

for a while i was selling templates for the cab which included the firewall and don't forget the underside of the cowl. removing the dash panel and heater diverter if installed is not really that hard and allows a real good job.

tom

 

[Welder Sam]

Im really dreading doing this.. you guys keep up the good work cuz we're going to be convoying down central one day

 

[Woodsplinter]

Tom, a template woulda been reeeealy handy because doing the firewall was a bit**!
Sam, I recommend doing it when it cools off- that way you'll have more time to "think" about it..LOL !
Not done yet but here's an update.