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I wanted to replace my "rats nest" of hood/bonnet insulation to look as original as possible and cost effectively. If you've looked around some options can be quite expensive.
I paid about $50 including shipping for a fiberglass hood insulation called Metro HI1from Rock Auto. Here's an example from Amazon. Had almost enough to do two hoods. This is very similar to the OEM and I was impressed with quality and ease of the cutting to an exact fit.
There are three prongs welded to the hood. I reused the hardware that simply pushes on to secure. Must be a Series III thing, because I recall seeing them in the past.
Very nice finish. New liners make a big difference to engine bay appearance!
My old liner was seriously deteriorated and looked terrible, a new after-market liner has made a huge difference. However it is self adhesive, so the centre fasteners now become somewhat decorative. Can't see that I'll ever need to remove it though.
Figured the insulation was icing on the cake after 20+ hours of engine detailing. VERY therapeutic, one tin of Motorwerks metal polish, Cloth harness tape, and a few bloody knuckles. Almost how I want it!!
Well I thought mine was looking pretty good, but I think you've applied the Elbow Grease even more generously, well done!!
Being such a prominent feature, the manifold shield is another make or break with detailing the XK - your looks great. Is it polished or did you paint it? I took the lazy option and sprayed mine with VHT silver engine paint to achieve a similar look.
The bonnet insulation looks fantastic as well - very close to OEM look.
I used a thin gauge sheet of aluminium which is held in with the existing centre line fasteners, whilst the edges rest on the outer bonnet channels without adhesive.
The insulation is stuck to the upper side of the aluminium and so is sandwiched between said aluminuim and the underside of the bonnet.
I'm happy with mine, but yours looks way better.
Cheers,
Nigel
Last edited by Jag-o-nomic; 01-23-2016 at 05:25 PM.
Reason: Forgot insulation bit
I polished the manifold heat shield, not painted as follows:
600 grit sandpaper on corroded spots
Moved to 1000 grit
Moved to 0000 steel wool dipped in Motorwerx Metal Polish (I'm sure most brands would be fine)
Attached a mini-buffer to my drill (the one that comes in those headlight repair kits) and buffed with the metal polish. Probably about 3 passes.
I did sand and paint the bolts that attach with high heat paint
It's crazy how these modern engines with their plastic covers are so simple in comparison. This XK motor is just so pretty, it's worth it!!
NOTE: I removed the heat shield prior to doing this. 1 minute job with plenty of WD40 on those bolts prior.
I'm now trying to do the same on the cat converter.
P.S. Nigel, that's a pretty slick solution you found as well. Has a cool custom, but not TOO custom look.
1. The boot insulation on my car resembled a "moth eaten bear rug". Phrase not coined by me, but an apt description. I removed it. A bit of a tussle with the press on clips working upside down. Saved 'em, why, I dunno. I tried to polish the paint. No go. unstained, but dull, as the color coat before clear. One day, I will spray it with "bed liner" paint. If it had any heat or sound insulation qualities, I don't miss them.
2. When the DOHC was removed, I cleaned up the bay a bit. Oven cleaner of the inch thick grunge on the front cross member. I found a can of Duplicolor that was close to Grosvenor brown and sprayed parts of the inner wings. and, a bit of aluminum paint on the fire will insulation. Black paint on more of the black tin. The lump that went in was clean. More than decent. The lump came with a big triangular
intake sound deadener. Looked like an engine cover. Deleted. And the PCM is in a nice ribbed aluminum housing. too nice to hide. I made straps to attach to the wing braces and suspended the PCM from them. always had a weakness for ribbed alloy!!!
Figured the insulation was icing on the cake after 20+ hours of engine detailing. VERY therapeutic, one tin of Motorwerks metal polish, Cloth harness tape, and a few bloody knuckles. Almost how I want it!!
Very nice finish. New liners make a big difference to engine bay appearance!
My old liner was seriously deteriorated and looked terrible, a new after-market liner has made a huge difference. However it is self adhesive, so the centre fasteners now become somewhat decorative. Can't see that I'll ever need to remove it though.
Hi - Do you recall where you purchased the liner? I'm looking for one for an '87 XJ6.