What do you call . . . .

[MrMark52]

The rubber curtain that blocks the open area between the bottom of the firewall and the top of the radiator on a W22/Chevrolet 8.1l chassis?

Our “new to us in January” ‘02 coach’s curtain is missing. Fortunately we’ve not been able to travel much this summer, and fortunately when monitoring coolant temperature data when working on the coach earlier this summer, the engine never ran hot.

While dealing with other issues after a short trip/4 day weekend, I found small remnants of the original shield - figured it might be good to find a pattern so I can make one, but can’t think of what to call it to search for it.

TIA!

[catmandoo62]

on my old chevelle they use a rubber for the fenderwells over the a frames on the front suspension.they are made with what is called mastic rubber it has fibers in it,if you could find a large enough piece of it and cut to fit i think thats probably gonna be your best bet.

[DonavonP]

air dam

https://www.google.com/search?q=Work...hrome&ie=UTF-8

[TandW]

You'll want to replace it for no better reason than to provide max ac cooling when idling or standing at red lights. Without forward motion the hot air recycles forward over and around the radiator and condenser. In other words the whole engine compartment will become heat saturated far beyond what it should. You can improve heat rejection further by wrapping your exhaust pipes down to the cats with heavy fiberglass tape. This trick actually boosts usable horsepower.

[CaptainJerry]

Got mine about 8 years ago from Ultra RV Products. They no longer list it. I believe they called it a cool pack.

[MrMark52]

Thanks All for the input!

For some reason my brain was struggling to come up with descriptive words for what to search for.

FWIW - it looks like the OEM’S are using what is called “Masticated Rubber Sheet” which is die cut to the OEM’s specification.

That stuff is expensive! After deep searching, I’ve found it for ~$7.00/sq.ft..

Now need to go measure for the needed size. Will make a cardboard template and hope to ultimately post for others in need.

FWIW2 - I’ve seen suggestions on other threads to use an old truck inner tube. While it will work, inner tube rubber isn’t made for the type of exposure seen in rather “under the hood” environment.
I’m from the school of doing things right (to the best of my knowledge) the first time.

YMMV.

[bruceh]

I made one after the morons who first serviced my coach ripped it out.

I bought a rubber door mat at home depot and cut it to fit. I used a piece of aluminum across the top to hold it in place. Been there for 19 years so I guess it works.

[LETMGROW]

Originally Posted by MrMark52

Thanks All for the input!

For some reason my brain was struggling to come up with descriptive words for what to search for.

FWIW - it looks like the OEM’S are using what is called “Masticated Rubber Sheet” which is die cut to the OEM’s specification.

That stuff is expensive! After deep searching, I’ve found it for ~$7.00/sq.ft..

Now need to go measure for the needed size. Will make a cardboard template and hope to ultimately post for others in need.

FWIW2 - I’ve seen suggestions on other threads to use an old truck inner tube. While it will work, inner tube rubber isn’t made for the type of exposure seen in rather “under the hood” environment.
I’m from the school of doing things right (to the best of my knowledge) the first time.

YMMV.

I like your approach of doing things right. Spend an extra dollar today and save many dollars tomorrow.

[Mike Finnerty]

I had to replace mine earlier this year. Ultra RV Products while they no longer list it offered to send me a template. However I had enough of the old dam to serve as a template. I got the rubber material from Northern Tool. It was called Technoflex Technofloor All Purpose Mat 72"x48"x1/8".

[MrMark52]

Originally Posted by Mike Finnerty

I had to replace mine earlier this year. Ultra RV Products while they no longer list it offered to send me a template. However I had enough of the old dam to serve as a template. I got the rubber material from Northern Tool. It was called Technoflex Technofloor All Purpose Mat 72"x48"x1/8".

Thanks Mike! Northern is right down the street from us.

Ultra sent me the drawing as well - if I were to use what was left to make a pattern from, I’d be wasting about 98% of the purchased material. 😀

[MrMark52]

Most economical I found a sheet of .080 thick masticated rubber was a website called “Rubber the Right Way” for $7.00/sq. ft. plus’shipping.

The piece as designed by Workhorse is 1215mm x 500mm (Thanks Jon at Brazel’s)! The piece was installed/attached across the top of the radiator then rolled up and tied across the top of the radiator. The coach builder was supposed to unroll and attach to the coach during the coach build.
I ordered a 2’ x 4’ piece as you have to order by the square foot. This will leave excess material to use as a “patch” if needed (need to figure out what kind of glue to use - assuming a contact adhesive of sorts would work).

A sharp razor knife can be used to cut this stuff.

Will try to document the process.

[edgray]

Don't forget to use fender washers under all screw heads

[MrMark52]

Originally Posted by edgray

Don't forget to use fender washers under all screw heads

👍 Yep! And plenty of them. 😀 (subject to how substantial the “firewall” material is to holding the fasteners that hold the fender washers &#128512.

Thanks Ed!