DIY Network

1962 Fort T-Bird Restoration: Hood Insulation Replacement From "Classic Car Restoration" episode DCR-307

Earlier, the 1962 Thunderbird got some engine-performance upgrades including aluminum engine heads and manifold and a high-performance carburetor. In this episode, the T-bird sports roadster receives some under-hood detailing, an upgraded ignition system and a new set of halogen headlights.

In this episode we perform some finishing touches in the engine bay and install a high-performance ignition system. In this first segment, the under-hood insulation is replaced.

Materials:

Standard automotive tools (socket wrenches, extensions, combination wrenches, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, etc.)
Air compressor and impact wrenches (optional)
Under-hood insulation kit
Spray adhesive
Spray-adhesive remover

Safety Equipment:

Respirator mask
Work gloves
Safety glasses or other eye protection

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Part of the under-hood detailing is the installation of a new set of hood-insulation pads.

Our 1962 Thunderbird Sports Roadster project-car is a genuine American classic. In this series, we restore one that was rescued from storage, and bring it back to roadworthiness. In recent segments, we were able to finesse the existing finish back to a beautiful shine and restored and replaced stainless steel and pot-metal trim as needed. The bumpers were replaced. The originals had bad rust and flaking chrome, so we purchased some used ones, polished them and bolted them on. Under the hood, we installed an after-market set of aluminum cylinder heads, a high-rise 4-barrell intake-manifold and a high performance 4-barrel carburetor to add more thunder to the Thunderbird's 390-cubic-inch V8.

Because the Ford Thunderbird was an expensive luxury car, the engineers paid close attention to the potential problems of noise and vibration. One of the worst offenders is the hood, which can tend to vibrate and rattle with the engine. Ford came up with an elaborate system of padding that stuck to the hood. The original padding on our vehicle was badly worn, so we opted to remove the original under-hood padding, clean the surfaces and replace it with a new reproduction pieces from the after-market.
Note: This is a summary of steps included in the automotive restoration procedures shown in this episode of Classic Car Restoration. These are general guidelines for restoration procedures on this particular make and model of vehicle, and for the level of restoration selected for this project. There may be variations in procedures depending model, condition of vehicle, level of restoration undertaken and the types of replacement parts or upgrade kits selected. Always follow proper safety precautions, and read and follow manufacturer's guidelines, diagrams and safety notices that come with any replacement parts or kit that you select.

Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection when working with power tools or pneumatic tools.
Under-Hood Insulation

• Our restoration expert Keller Wallace began the process by removing the old hood insulation (figure A) using a general-purpose adhesive cleaner that won't damage the automotive paint.

• Simply spray the cleaner on to the area to loosen the glue (figure B). The insulation pad can be scraped off using a plastic putty knife. It's important to get all of the insulation and adhesive off so the surface is clean and smooth. This will allow the new adhesive will stick firmly to the metal.
  

  Figure A

  Figure B

  
  
• To attach the new hood insulation pads, we removed the hood from the vehicle to make the application easier. Spray the recessed areas with trim adhesive (figure C) being careful to avoid over-spray.

• Continue spraying the other recessed areas. When using spray adhesive, be sure to follow manufacturer's safety warnings and instructions. In the case of the adhesive we used, the manufacturer recommends spraying the adhesive onto both surfaces to be glued, then waiting a few seconds to let the glue "tack up" before pressing down the pads. You'll know the adhesive has tacked up when you touch the adhesive and it produces strings of glue.

• Once the adhesive is applied, you're ready to apply the first pad. Simply position the pad (figure D) and press it firmly in place to ensure that it seats fully.

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  
• Continue on the other side spraying the hood areas while the glue on the pads set up. Apply the other pads just as you did the first (figure E).

• With all of the new pads applied (figure F) the car will be quieter on the road and the appearance underneath the hood is much improved.

  Figure E

  Figure F

  
  

RESOURCES :

Classic Car Restoration Guide: The Complete Illustrated Step-By-Step Manual
Model: 1850108900
Author: Lindsay Porter
Order this book from Amazon.com
Haynes Publishing

Classic Car Restorer's Handbook: Restoration Tips and Techniques for Owners and Restorers of Classic and Collectible Automobiles
1557881944
Jim Richardson
(November 1994)
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
H.P. Books

Thunderbird Restoration Guide, 1958-1966 (Motorbooks International Authentic Restoration Guides)
by William Wonder
Published by Motorbooks International, June 1997
ASIN: 0760303908
To order this book from Amazon.com, click here.

Illustrated Thunderbird Buyer's Guide (Motorbooks International Illustrated Buyer's Guide)
by Paul G. McLaughlin
Publisher: Motorbooks International (July 2000)
ASIN: 0879388706
To order this book from Amazon.com, click here.

GUESTS :

Keller Wallace
Keller Wallace Street Rods
Volunteer Street Rod Association
Knoxville, TN