Mat & Carpet Removal

[alexshock]

Hi Ecomodders!

Please, tell me that I should not do this and should not even think about this anymore!

I want to remove floor mat like they do in race/drift cars.
Something like like this:

(Photo from https://svgmotorsport.com/about-the-...-car-interior/)

But it has several drawbacks:
1. Much more noise (will I need earplugs like on a helicopter?).
2. Hotter in summer (A/C may consume much more which will have negative impact on FE).
3. Colder in winter.
4. Vibration. (Thanks to freebeard!)

Please, post photos of your interior if you did the same.
And tell your opinion on the real noise feeling, temperature, etc.

Or even may be there other issues that I'm not aware?

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by alexshock

Much more noise (will I need earplugs like on a helicopter?)

Not so extreme, plus much of the noise would come from a lower spot. Did you notice ambulances and police cars now feature the sirens behind the front grille instead of above the roof? That was done in order to decrease the likelihood of long-term hearing impairments for operators.

Hotter in summer (A/C may consume much more which will have negative impact on FE)

You could eventually resort to some thermal insulators which are lighter than the original trim. Those aluminium-sided insulator blankets, often used for roofing insulation, are quite common to see on JDM cars converted from RHD to LHD in countries such as Paraguay, sealing some gaps on the right-hand side of the firewall.

Colder in winter.

Either those aluminium-sided blankets or some rubberized paint could do the trick to not make the interior so colder in winter.

[freebeard]

Both of these had bare floorboards but I don't have a picture of the interiors.



These work because of the rear engine. No fumes in the cabin or exhaust heat.

The thing you didn't list is vibration. You sit with your feet on a drumhead.

[Gasoline Fumes]

I have a bare metal floor in my Insight. No carpet, no under-carpet sound deadening. I took the carpet out to wash it. I haven't put it back in because I have a few water leaks to fix first. Yes, it's loud and I wear earplugs.

The carpet in this small car was under 6 pounds. The tar sheets under it were at least that much.

I'm not sure how much it affects temperatures in the car. A floor mat in winter might help.

[alexshock]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

You could eventually resort to some thermal insulators which are lighter than the original trim. Those aluminium-sided insulator blankets, often used for roofing insulation, are quite common to see on JDM cars converted from RHD to LHD in countries such as Paraguay, sealing some gaps on the right-hand side of the firewall.

I afraid, this is not the good idea, as I also want to keep nice look of the interior.
Those insulators should be covered with something, but it means literally yo return carpet back.

[alexshock]

Originally Posted by Gasoline Fumes

A floor mat in winter might help.

I think, I will definitely keep mats. First of all we have dirty winters... Second is that I want bare metal to be protected from scratches and quick rust.

[alexshock]

Originally Posted by Gasoline Fumes

Yes, it's loud and I wear earplugs.

Do you wear earplugs BECAUSE OF that noise? Is it really so loud?

I'm expecting much noise comes from the road and wheels, not the engine.
Does engine really produce more noise?

[freebeard]

First of all we have dirty winters... Second is that I want bear metal to be protected from scratches and quick rust.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/644729.jpg

I should make up a set of these for my Baja Bug.

[Gasoline Fumes]

Originally Posted by alexshock

Do you wear earplugs BECAUSE OF that noise? Is it really so loud?

I'm expecting much noise comes from the road and wheels, not the engine.
Does engine really produce more noise?

It's mostly road/tire noise. I also have no rear interior, so I get a lot of noise from the rear tires. If you take out only the carpet, but leave the floor mats, it might not be that bad.

[freebeard]

No picture, but successive Beetles have had an L-shaped deck to replace the shotgun and rear seats. Six feet long by 4 feet wide. It's about six inches off the floor. Probably quieter than having the seats.

Carpeted now but it was raw plywood for a long time because I would move air compressors and stuff in it.