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Can engine heat damage fiberglass tub?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Dave Meyers, Sep 16, 2004.

  1. Dave Meyers

    Dave Meyers New Member

    1960 CJ5 with a 'glass tub scavenged from a 1974 CJ5: The tub fits well on mounts that are about 1" thick. There is about 3/4" space between the floor/lower firewall and bell housing. Is this adequate in terms of preventing heat from damaging the 'glass? Or is a 1" body lift advisable? Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance. Dave
     
    Dave Meyers, Sep 16, 2004
    #1
  2. Michaelo

    Michaelo Member

    I wouldn't think the heat from the engine or the tranny would hurt it. Inless the exhaust was that close. If your worried about it you could always put some of that heat wrap stuff on the exhaust but i don't think i would be too worried about it
     
    Michaelo, Sep 16, 2004
    #2
  3. Ducks-Bass-n-Jeeps

    Ducks-Bass-n-Jeeps A Parade of One

    I know this is not the same thing, but this happened on a job yesterday as a result of a few welding sparks.
     
    Ducks-Bass-n-Jeeps, Sep 16, 2004
    #3
  4. Dave Meyers

    Dave Meyers New Member

    Close....it looks like it used to be a fiberglass tub. 'Course I won't weld close to mine. Good pic. Dave
     
    Dave Meyers, Sep 16, 2004
    #4
  5. lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    When I bought the dead '68 for the 'glass tub, it was burnt through to the core above both mufflers!! :shock: Of course, both mufflers had been crunched up against the tub. The plywood core was charred black at places!

    I filled both areas with fiberglass, then screwed a large piece of 1/8" aluminum plate, maybe 2x2 feet, over each patch. I figured this would make an effective heat sink and barrier. And, with new headers and exhaust hangers, my mufflers are ~2 inches away from my tub.
    The combination has worked well.
    Given that what we do involves alot of low speed trail work, there isn't always the air flow to dissapate the muffler heat... I would certainly recommend adding a heat sink above your mufflers... it can't hurt!! ;)
     
    lynn, Sep 17, 2004
    #5
  6. Dave Meyers

    Dave Meyers New Member

    Good idea. I'll look at this when I get to exhaust, sometime inthe future. Makes me want to consider a 1" body lift just to be sure I have a nice space between the exhaust and the tub. Dave
     
    Dave Meyers, Sep 17, 2004
    #6
  7. w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    If the clearance is there, you might also consider putting some spacers beteen the tub and the plates to let some air flow in between. Its not like it is going to collect mud and rust out the tub! :)
     
    w3srl, Sep 17, 2004
    #7
  8. lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    Good idea Steve, that would make the heat sink more effective...
     
    lynn, Sep 17, 2004
    #8
  9. BlueFlu

    BlueFlu past owner of some ecj5's

    Heat shields are a good idea., as far as heat hurting fiberglass no. Something hot laying on it yes.
    Look at dune buggies VWs are air cooled and they dont nuke the body.
    Sport bikes same thing. ;)
     
    BlueFlu, Sep 17, 2004
    #9
  10. Dave Meyers

    Dave Meyers New Member

    Thanks everyone, I am getting some great ideas. So far, I think I may put in some heat shields, to keep excess heat out of and away from the tub and occupants, although it does not sound like damage to the tub will be a concern if I maximize the air gap. Dave
     
    Dave Meyers, Sep 17, 2004
    #10
  11. Dave Meyers

    Dave Meyers New Member

    Just a follow up to anyone following this thread. I will install a one inch body lift to provide needed clearance between the tub/firewall and bellhousing. When I got underneath there I saw that they make slight contact. This will provide opportunity for additional ehaust clearance farther back, too. Dave
     
    Dave Meyers, Sep 18, 2004
    #11