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Subaru conversion latent through floor heat
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pgtips
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PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2021 1:06 pm    Post subject: Subaru conversion latent through floor heat Reply with quote

Hi,
I've done a Subaru conversion which I'm very happy with and I'm using an under belly radiator.
Cooling is great, temps good but the floor does get warm inside which on a hot day I'd like to see if I can cool it a bit.

I'm thinking about placing a heat shield layer in between but wondered if anyone else has tried anything else with any success.

Pg
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Globespotter
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PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2021 2:07 pm    Post subject: Re: Subaru conversion latent through floor heat Reply with quote

On the positive side, it's a radiant heater in cooler temperatures lol.
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Wildthings
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PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2021 4:42 pm    Post subject: Re: Subaru conversion latent through floor heat Reply with quote

pgtips wrote:
Hi,
I've done a Subaru conversion which I'm very happy with and I'm using an under belly radiator.
Cooling is great, temps good but the floor does get warm inside which on a hot day I'd like to see if I can cool it a bit.

I'm thinking about placing a heat shield layer in between but wondered if anyone else has tried anything else with any success.

Pg


On the Vanagons, VW handled their hot foot problem by adding stick on foam insulation.
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alaskadan
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PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2021 6:20 pm    Post subject: Re: Subaru conversion latent through floor heat Reply with quote

I've done a couple of suby bay conversions for others up here. I only drove one of them to any degree. It was our summer but that means 65 degrees on average around here. Needless to say I didn't experience the hot floor. I bet it could be bad in traffic and 90 degrees or more. Out of curiosity, whats your fan setup? Pulling, pushing?
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vwwestyman
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PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2021 9:07 pm    Post subject: Re: Subaru conversion latent through floor heat Reply with quote

For my TDI bus, I have a scoop pulling air from below and pushing it up through the radiator toward the floor.

So I had the same issue.

I helped/solved/significantly reduced the problem by placing a sheet of reflectix insulation below the floor.
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mikedjames
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PostPosted: Sat Apr 17, 2021 2:35 am    Post subject: Re: Subaru conversion latent through floor heat Reply with quote

Its the fires of Hell awaiting you for ripping the heart out of it !

Why not try the closed foam aluminised rubber stuff that people fit in engine bays above the radiators ? Although that might make the cooling more marginal if you stuff more insulation into the probably a bit too small gap.

Increase the air speed through the radiators ?

Reverse the air flow and keep fans running from the top all the time the engine is running (stupid but the floor would be cooler)
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MorkC68
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PostPosted: Sat Apr 17, 2021 1:52 pm    Post subject: Re: Subaru conversion latent through floor heat Reply with quote

mikedjames wrote:
Its the fires of Hell awaiting you for ripping the heart out of it !



I'm knocking on the gates Mike, knocking on the gates Very Happy
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pgtips
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PostPosted: Mon Apr 19, 2021 2:33 am    Post subject: Re: Subaru conversion latent through floor heat Reply with quote

thanks for the replies everyone.

I think the best route is a layer underneath my inner floor to restrict heat transfer. Its something I wanted to explore.

Bit of a shame because when I did it (my floor) I used normal underlay but in hindsight a reflective thermal underlay would have been a good choice. Maybe a winter project Smile

All the best
PG
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1975 1.8l FI Auto Westy - Subaru converted
1971 356 kit 1600 TP - semi/stickshift
1971 1302 LS - semi/stickshift

Trim ring info here -> http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=559668
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=451210
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=479721
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vwwestyman
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PostPosted: Mon Apr 19, 2021 12:58 pm    Post subject: Re: Subaru conversion latent through floor heat Reply with quote

I'm going to reiterate the recommendation to put something reflective directly under the floor. I think if you can block heat from getting to the metal at all, you'll experience the best success. There will also be a small bit of an air layer that will help.

By under the floor, I mean under the metal portion, outside the bus, above the radiator.
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pgtips
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PostPosted: Mon Apr 19, 2021 1:21 pm    Post subject: Re: Subaru conversion latent through floor heat Reply with quote

Thanks Dave, I've seen some fluted aluminium sheet that might be perfect for this, the uneven surface allows quick cooling as air goes over it, easier to fit than internal as well Smile
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1975 1.8l FI Auto Westy - Subaru converted
1971 356 kit 1600 TP - semi/stickshift
1971 1302 LS - semi/stickshift

Trim ring info here -> http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=559668
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=451210
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=479721
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Shonandb
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PostPosted: Mon Apr 19, 2021 5:00 pm    Post subject: Re: Subaru conversion latent through floor heat Reply with quote

I used reflective water heater wrap between the floor and belly radiator as well as multi-layer insulation on the metal floor under the carpet and don't notice any transfer of heat. I have the rad on an angle to create airflow and the water heater wrap is cut to fit but is free hanging and not glued in. I wanted air to be able to pass between the floor and the insulation so moisture doesn't build up. So far it has worked out well.
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