Stock interior sound insulation

[Nitrate]

1981. 2000. The PO had removed most of the sound insulation except a few pieces. I was surprised by the thickness and density of the jute and the tar like overlay on top of it. Looks like they took keeping the noise level down seriously. On the stock fiat how much of that was used? Was it on all of the floor, firewall, under rear seat or just sections of it? I know the interior transmission housing had a large, shaped piece surrounding it. I'm interested in just how much was used throughout the car, and if anyone has any photos of the stock installation. Thanks, RB

[klweimer]

Part of the goal was to reduce noise, but I think a lot was to block heat into the cabin. The center tunnel gets pretty toasty, along with the area above the exhaust. Lots of threads (and pictures) here on the forum about improving on the original.

[4uall]

correct

http://www.fiatspider.com/f15/viewtopic ... it=padding

[Nitrate]

Thanks guys. RB

[spidernut]

The jute was about 3/4 inch thick and ran along the trans tunnel and firewall. I don't recall ever seeing it on the floorboards on the driver's or rear areas. I do recall seeing the factory jute beneath the passenger side (due to the heat from the exhaust). The curved part of the frame rail had a shaped foam rubber beneath the carpet. Of the five Spiders that I've owned, none of them had all of the jute intact. Most had some or all removed.

There are several ways of controlling the heat from the trans tunnel and floorboard - many use Dynamat or a similar foil faced product. I have twice used a bubble-wrap style radiant barrier covered by 5/8" automotive carpet pad throughout, then carpeting. I have had very good success with this. The downside to the bubble-wrap style radiant barrier (can be purchased at Home Depot) is that it makes a crunchy sound when it is stepped upon or pressed against. The jute padding and carpet will suppress the noise enough that you don't hear it, but you hear it crunch when working on the car, removing the console, etc.

[Nitrate]

Thank you John, very helpful information. RB