Is it necessary?
Mines in bad shape and I'd like to just rip it out but was wondering should I put it back?

Fairly warm climate here so I'm thinking anything to let heat out and not hold it in is a good thing.
?

 

I replaced the hood insulation in my 71 98 with fiber insulation available at the hardware store. I used the old insulation as a template and backed it with adhesive, heat resistant tape.

 

I friggin' hate a ratty looking hood insulation. I pulled the insulation out of my Chevelle and Olds Ninety Eight because they looked like crap and the underside of both hoods are nicely painted. I know the purpose of the mat with regards to fire suppression, but I carry fire extinguishers in my cars.

 

The purpose of hood insulation is to deaden SOUND, not keep heat in or out. Insulation is mostly found in the more upscale cars like 98 and Toronado because those are supposed to be quiet boulevard cruisers.

I like having insulation in my three cars, all of which came with it when new. In the case of my '73 Delta 88, the original hood pad was all there, but it was ratty after 50 years. I bought a piece of universal-fit pad material and used the old one as a pattern to cut out a new one. Looks great, I think, and I like having it there because I don't mind a little quieter ride.


Original, 50-year-old pad. Not in awful shape, to be honest. I've seen far worse,






Here's the new one. Looks very good, I think. New retaining clips as well.





Here's one vendor of generic hood pad material. I'm sure there are others.

 

I don’t think it was mainly limited to the big cars, all my Cutlasses and 442’s had the insolation. I did noticed when I cranked up the radio it got quieter under the hood.

 

Thanks!

 

You're right. I think it was more an Oldsmobile thing (and maybe Buick, Cadillac, and other higher-end makes). I once had a '75 Chevy Nova. Decent car, but it did not have hood insulation.

 

I don't know how good they are but Collector's Auto Supply can provide them on demand.