Porsche 911/912 engine bay liner

[radfretter]

I have a 1969 912.

There is a dark gray dessicated foam/insulation-like material that lines the engine bay. It has deteriorated with age and is crumbling.

Does anyone know what this is made of. Specifically, is there any chance of asbestos?

Thanks.

[radfretter]

Just had it lab tested.
No asbestos!

[Mike Hamrick]

I've had 4 912's and the soundproofing finally rotted so badly it fell off the cardboard backing. It's only 60's-era European foam; no dangerous ingredients. I removed what was left of the cardboard backing material in pieces and laid it out flat on cardboard to make a pattern. You can get the same material from Mercedes Benz as they used the exact same product for lining the hoods, just a bit larger and different shape. Don't recall when they stopped using this type pad but it was into the 90's. If you can find an old MB parts guy, he would likely know the year /model to pick. Got my pad from a MB parts house (not through MB Dealer). Using my pattern I cut out a new one for the 912 with a razor knife similar to the snap-blade, 1"-wide knives sold everywhere, today. Be sure your cut is exactly vertical through the foam and into the plywood cutting board. Glue it into the 912 with "original" Weldwood contact cement (the yellow stuff that highly stinks). Apply to both metal and the cardboard backing of the pad, let dry about 15 minutes. Tape a few sheets of CutRite waxed paper over 90% of the glue-coated backing, with only 1" of the top starting edge exposing the contact cement on the pad. Be absolutely sure you get it started straight, as once stuck, there's no pulling it off. Work from the starting edge at the top, working down with a hand-roller and removing the CutRite to expose more of the glued surface as you work it down with the hand-roller. You can trim any excess pad off at the bottom, because the engine (when it goes back in) will hide any mis-alighment. Make sure your top and side edges are aligned straight with the lip of the engine bay before you roller-it. I had these cars several years and the soundproofing looked new and fresh when they were sold. Good Luck! If you don't care about vintage material, consider the "hood Pad" product which is shiny aluminum faced, has a self-adhesive back. Just cut it out from your pattern, then peel'n stick.