Hot draft through gearstick gaitor

[ChazUwe]

Now that the spring temperatures are getting a little warmer I am looking at ways of reducing temps in the car as much as possible. Obviously removing the targa tops and opening the windows is the best option but sometimes this isn't always ideal! Also when stuck in traffic the airflow inside the car is minimal. Whilst the air con is quite effective and I am going to be following some guidance from Graham's bible to optimise it more, I do find that a lot of warm air is drawn up through the gearstick leather surround. I believe the car already has the improved tuffnol/ceramic stick so the 'knob' itself doesn't get hot through conduction of heat but I think the rubber gaiter under the leather surround may have perished or not be totally sealed.

I am going to remove the centre tunnel and check it out but I wanted to check if anyone knew what part to get as a replacement if required? I have seen this one:

http://www.racetechdirect.co.uk/f0081a-tvr-car-par...

But it is pricy for just a rubber boot, anyone used any alternatives that can do the job?

Also as a later T350 I have the roller screen across the rear of the tunnel, does this have to be removed to get the tunnel out or does the tunnel move forward far enough to clear it when tilting up to remove?

I was also going to us the opportunity to put some heat reflective foil around the top of the tunnel to help a little more. What sort of foil/barrier is best to use?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give!

[ChazUwe]

Thanks for that Konrod, good to know someone else has had the same experience and has managed to resolve it fairly easily! Next time I have an afternoon spare I will give it a go!

[ChazUwe]

Ok guys, I will get the centre console off and see what the deal is! Hopefully it just requires some resealing!

Any recommendations one best heat reflective barrier to install while I am there? I found this on ebay and was thinking it would do the job nicely?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171820811191?_trksid=p20...

Obviously meant for more high heat applications!

[ChazUwe]

Very interesting, I have managed to reduce the hot air draft as when I got the centre tunnel off I could see that the front of the gaiter wasn't stuck down very well. I have added some sealant too this and although not stopped all warm air coming up through the leather gaiter of the gearstick and handbrake, it has reduced it considerably!

[ChazUwe]

I know Chris bought an alternative one from a motorsport website.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Not the cheapest so might be worth checking with James Aggar to see if they have tested their replacement yet?