engine and drivetrain heat shield on firewall

[robsanab]

on a 75 there is an aluminum heat shield attached to the firewall which is molded down into the trans tunnel for the exhaust downpipe.

my car is at the shop and all apart for body work/paint... was wondering if I should have them take this off to coat the body with something (prime and paint? or undercoating?).

A thought: I do have some second skin damplifier that is supposed to be good to 500 degree F. I was going to use some of this on other parts or the firewall (to replace the old foam). Should I just use it as the heat shield too since it has an aluminum facing? anyone else try this or something else?

Also with the engine out I can't remember how much room there was between this shield and the downpipe... can anyone tell me? Enough to put more insulation or room if I build up that area with something and replace the shield?

thanks

[c.d.iesel]

keep the Orig shield in good condition ! -

it will polish up nicely with a little oil/grease remover,

then Aluminum Polish - followed by a Baking Powder

wipe down to remove the Amuinum Polish residue.

You cannot find a better substitute for fit and function.

[wagnerf15]

Definitely pull it off and look at the metal underneath/clean and repaint if necessary. These can get soaked and hold a lot of water, then promote and hide rust. The rubber tubes that drain the cowl above it can leak (if you even still have these tubes) and that blanket can hold a lot of water. Maximillian sells the item.

[jimk]

It's shiney not just for good looks. It's shiney for it's reflective properties. Years ago newspapers printed on aluminun sheets (plates). I got a bunch for reflective insulation in the ceiling of my cabin (can't use stuff like fiberglass, the chipmunks and squirrels would steal it all). Had some left from that job and used one to form a firewall sheild on my 71.