Quick Question: Should I throw out insulation? | FerrariChat
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Quick Question: Should I throw out insulation?

Discussion in '308/328' started by Tony K, Jul 9, 2010.

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  1. Tony K

    Tony K Formula 3

    Jun 7, 2006
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    #1 Tony K, Jul 9, 2010
    Good morning,

    I've had a bunch of collector cars over the years, and have for a long time followed the rule of generally not throwing out original parts for the sake of posterity or scarcity.

    Some time ago, I stripped and refurbished the boot/trunk of my GTBi (to halt some corrosion that was starting; you should check yours, too, because they all rust there). This involved removing the carpet, fiberglass panels, all of the insulation that was in there, and the riveted metal plates on either side.

    I replaced the cotton-like (fiberglass, I'm guessing) insulation with a high-heat rated expanding foam (it won't hold moisture), and re-created the fiber/foil insulation as best as I could. The gray fiber mat I used in place of the original looks the same but is slightly thinner than the original; I lined it with foam-backed insulating foil instead of just straight foil, which made up the thickness difference. The pieces are all cut to the original shape. So it looks pretty close to original, but it's not exactly the same.

    I've kept the original fiber/foil insulation (which is kind of dirty) in a garbage bag in my basement for a year or two now. I'd love to throw it out. Is there any reason to keep this for posterity, future reference for reproduction parts, or any other reason? . . . or should I just throw it out?

    Goofy question, I know; it's just old insulation. But with some of the more rare cars I've dealt with, one wouldn't think of throwing something like that out until a truly faithful replication was made.

    If a few people say 'throw it out, no future owner will care,' then out it goes in the garbage collection this morning . . .


    Thanks,

    an overly-precautious Tony
     
  2. Tony K

    Tony K Formula 3

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    #2 Tony K, Jul 9, 2010
    Twenty five views, no replies.

    I thought everyone on here had an opinion on everything.

    Too much to read?

    Never lifted the boot carpet on your 308?


    Maybe I should have asked about timing belts or replicas...
     
  3. FasterIsBetter

    FasterIsBetter F1 Veteran

    Jul 22, 2004
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    #3 FasterIsBetter, Jul 9, 2010
    Okay, I'll bite -- throw it out!! I seriously doubt that any future owner would look under the carpet and reject a car because it had replacement insulation. What most buyers care about is whether the car is structurally sound, the interior in good condition, the paint is the proper color and in great shape, engine compartment clean and properly serviced, etc.

    Unless your car is intended to be a 100% concours restoration that will be a trailer queen or sit in a Ferrari museum, no one will care about the insulation under the carpet in the rear trunk. And no one will care whether you have the old insulation or any other old parts sitting in boxes to go with the car. At least, that's been my experience buying and selling collector cars over the years.
     
  4. 350HPMondial

    350HPMondial F1 Veteran
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    #4 350HPMondial, Jul 9, 2010
    Toss the Fiberglass.
    I did.
     
  5. cmt6891

    cmt6891 Formula 3

    Feb 25, 2008
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    #5 cmt6891, Jul 9, 2010
    Even if your car was to be intended for 100% concours condition, it was my understanding that if it can't visually be seen then you are good. I've seen many current restorations using modern day insulation materials underneath carpeting.

    Throw it out before a rodent nests in it.
     
  6. Tony K

    Tony K Formula 3

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    #6 Tony K, Jul 9, 2010
    Okay. It's unanimous. Thanks. :) I'm never sure how picky someone might be, or if someone might come on here and provide a lengthy explanation as to why what I did would be no good or that one needs to be kept for originality, etc.

    Thanks.

    - T
     
  7. Pizzaman Chris

    Pizzaman Chris F1 Rookie

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    #7 Pizzaman Chris, Jul 9, 2010
  8. jeffQV

    jeffQV F1 Rookie

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    #8 jeffQV, Jul 9, 2010
    Me too, then I had to toss the floor and most of the firewall to the engine bay! Replaced and all good, I used marine insulation as a replacement from the local Chandler.
    .
     
  9. PV Dirk

    PV Dirk F1 Veteran

    Jul 26, 2009
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    #9 PV Dirk, Jul 9, 2010
    You can post it to Ads for a week, if no calls, toss it. For the cost of shipping.
     
  10. Tony K

    Tony K Formula 3

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    #10 Tony K, Jul 9, 2010
    Thanks for the replies, everyone. :)

    Chris -- I saw your thread back when it was fresh, and that was what spurred me to go ahead and do mine; luckily, nothing was rotted out . . . yet. Hopefully now it won't . . . for a while. (lol)

    - Tony
     
  11. gcmerak

    gcmerak Formula 3

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    #11 gcmerak, Jul 9, 2010
    Hi Tony,

    I'm having to pull one of the gas tanks due to a leak. I had to dispose a good deal of insulation. It all went to the trash can. IMHO it is just old antiquated mess. Dynamat may be a good starting point for insulation and not holding moisture. What options have you looked at as far as insulation materials?

    Ciao,
    George
     
  12. Darolls

    Darolls F1 Veteran
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    #12 Darolls, Jul 10, 2010
    TOSS IT! That's like keeping an 8 track tape hoping the technology will come back someday! :D
     
  13. 2dinos

    2dinos F1 Rookie

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    #13 2dinos, Jul 10, 2010
    Just another opinion: I'd rather keep an old 8-track tape player.
     
  14. Darolls

    Darolls F1 Veteran
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    #14 Darolls, Jul 10, 2010
    :D I have one in my Rolls Royce and the tapes to go with it. I like to keep things 'period appropriate'.
     
  15. furnacerepair

    furnacerepair Formula Junior

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    #15 furnacerepair, Jul 10, 2010
    Toss the insulation.
     
  16. doug328

    doug328 Formula 3

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    #16 doug328, Jul 10, 2010
    Looks like the general opinion is to toss it, which is what I'd do as well.
     
  17. Mfoncerrada

    Mfoncerrada Formula Junior

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    #17 Mfoncerrada, Jul 11, 2010
    I can't believe there's a thread with a unanimous opinion....might be a first....

    toss it.
     

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