Floorboards get hot at slow speeds

[chow59]

Hi Gang -

My Father in Law is getting ready to purchase a 55 T-bird, but is concerned that the floorboards get hot when the car is idling, in parades, so on. He says it's not a problem when cruising at higher speeds.
Is this normal? Is there something that can be done to deflect the heat?

Thanks for any information on this. We both appreciate it. Someday, I will force him on the internet!

Steve Knudsen
Ohio

 

[tbird5866]

One of the problems Ford recognized in the 1955 Thunderbirds was heat inside the car. So --- in 1956, they added the footwell vents. What to do in your case? Maybe add insulation under the carpet or insulate between the mufflers and the floor.

 

[gbhrps]

Chow59,
My boss's 57 has the same problem, so much so that the heat was transferred up the accelerator rod to the pedal itself. It got so hot one day on tour, that I had to reposition my heel onto the pedal, because the heat was burning through the soul of my shoe. My own 55 does not have the problem though. I researched at one time getting some reflective insulation material that reduced the heat transfer by some 50% or better. Do a Google search for "automotive heatshield" material. Moss Motors (MG and Triumph parts supplier in California) sells a 48 inch by 72 inch mat for $29.95. It or something similar should do the job nicely.

 

[1212jamit]

In a recent engine overhaul of my 1956 312, the machinist suggested that we port and polish the heads. Not just the intake and exhaust. He also recommended the water port inlets and exits. He claimed Ford had excess material in both areas when the heads were made and they never changed the design. This restricted the water flow along with the exhaust flow and caused the entire engine to run hot. This is just what my 1956 t-bird did for the past 10 years. He claimed it would run about 10 degrees cooler.

After the engine was installed, the temperature gauge dropped considerably and the floor has stayed much cooler. I have no idea were he learned this trick however; he is old as dirt and has been builting ford engines for racing since the early 1950’s.

Oh yes and with the improved flow the engine has a lot more power.

 

[jmgtbird]

I just noticed in the Casco parts book that they seel a resaonably priced set of heat shields. $70.00 (i think) for a pais of stainless steel)