gearbox soundproofing

[Stevemorris]

I have removed the centre console and gearbox tunnel on my car. As with all unknown restorations from over 40 years ago, we can never know what was done or how it was done. I do know it was done in a barn as I have all the photos from when it was restored. There is no signs of a jig, just a keen eye and some gas welding equipment, all the panels were sourced from Martin Robey as I have the invoices.

The panel gaps are good, and the car drives in a straight line and looks good underneath, so we have to assume it was done 'well'?

One thing I have noticed, when removing front lights and now the gearbox tunnel is the amount of wax oil they used, its everywhere, and as I know the car only did 2000 miles and had one owner from 1981-2007, I can only assume the wax oiling was done at the point of the restoration, which is good news!?!

When I drove the car I noticed a lot of heat coming up through the gear lever gaiter, which is the leather type (correct for chassis no according to SNG) and there was no rubber gaiter under that. the top part of this which I think is referred to as the gauntlet mounting (in the photo) looks like an early type (shiny rubber bellows type in photo)?

Anyway, I think for now at least, I'll go with the shiny rubber one, as I have the incorrect gauntlet mounting and no chrome trim. The previous owner had purchased the leather gaiter new, which I have.

Anyway, on to the soundproofing. I suspected the soundproofing was missing due to the heat and noise, and wasn't surprised when I found it was indeed missing. I looked up the part required on SNGB and as I suspected its over £30. For a piece of soundproofing!

So, question is, has anyone else made their own? I have a piece of seat cushion from an old sofa, which is more than sufficient for the job, and I can trim it to the size I need, rather than the one that's supplied. So was thinking maybe make it a bit bigger so as to cover more of the gearbox, to make it quieter. Only concern is, I am not sure if the soundproofing I have got is fire retardant or not. I know the chances of it 'going up' are very slim, in fact non existent really, but there's always the nagging doubt that it may slip down (I would glue it to the top of the gearbox) although the gearbox breather pipe and reverse light switch would prevent it from going anywhere once the thing is clamped in place by the metal tunnel?

Has anyone else just used a random piece of foam before? Am I overly worried about it/overthinking it?

Any input would be welcome.

Thanks,

Steve.

[johnetype]

In my case I was able to reuse the original piece of foam but given the amount of oil it was impregnated with I very much doubt it would much difference if it was fire retardant foam or not.

If your proposed piece of foam has come from a sofa meeting current regulations, would it not be fire retardant anyway?

[Stevemorris]

I dont know if it's fire retardant or not, I have had it for years, I suspect not. I did cut a piece off the edge and put my hot air blower on it (not exactly scientific I know) and it did begin to smoke, but I'm not sure how hot I got it, or indeed whether it will get that hot when the car is driving?

Thanks for the reply though.

Steve.

[mgcjag]

I made my own....blue retardant foam from an upholsterers...Steve

[Stevemorris]

Thanks Steve. Think I'll do the same... Steve.