GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

First, is there any reason why I should NOT remove the insulation attached to the hood? I can see it helping in the winter, but would it hurt the hood in any way?Second, How do you take it off without wrecking it? Do you just pull the tabs out? I want to ask before I break something. I'd like to put it back on for winter.The reason I ask is that I like the way hoods look without the insulation. And it gives me something else to do to the car.

Hehehe! I like loud! (Except for when I have gas really bad @ the theater.)

the round clips holding it on will just pop off if you get between them and the hood pad with a fork or window crank removal tool, just becareful not to break them GM would charge you an arm and a leg to replace them. why do you want to remove it anyway?

quote:just becareful not to break them GM would charge you an arm and a leg to replace them. $12.71 to be precise.

Do not remove your hood insulation. I`ve been told that in case of fire on engine compartment, this insulation will fall over the engine (of course) and help extinguish the fire... It sound realistic but may be someone of us (any firemen listning) could tell us more about that fabric if it's true.

quote:Do not remove your hood insulation. I`ve been told that in case of fire on engine compartment, this insulation will fall over the engine (of course) and help extinguish the fire... It sound realistic but may be someone of us (any firemen listning) could tell us more about that fabric if it's true.I believe it also aids in maintaining engine compartment temperature (keeping excessive heat away from teh engine), as well as assisting with noise reduction...

Yes I am a fireman. And it's not true that the insulation will help put out a fire. Infact, in can make it worse. If the fire under the hood is hot enough to get the insulation to drop then the damage to the engine compartment is already done. If the insulation covers the fire, it can prevent heat from escaping (it doesn't openly burn but smolders), so the temperature rises even more damaging more engine components. Then the fire will easily spread to the passenger compartment through the firewall, and A/C & heating vents.This is why we also cut big holes in the roof of house fires, to let the heat and unburned products of combustion out. When you let the hea out you'll have a much cooler fire that is easier to put out and causes less damage to property.The main purpose of the insulation in the engine compartment is to deaden the engine noise and to help keep it warmer in cold temps. I already said that I just want to take it out during the warmer months when I show my car. I think it looks better with a clean metal under-hood than a black fuzzy fabric.

You're the PRO Lancer. Next time I see that sale representative (seen at Quebec annual auto show) I'll tell him that argument you've told us. Thanks. For us, up north in Québec, will keep that insulation on, we're not in hot season for as long as yours.