Asbestos '57 Hood Lining?

[woody]

Does anyone know if the bonnet/hood (engine compartment) linings for '57 contained asbestos? I need to replace mine, as it's falling apart and it looks like a fibrous material, eg fiberglass. I've got no idea what asbestos looks like.

Was it used to protect the paint, or reduce engine noise, or both?

[TODD]

Woody, from limited experience with these underhood pads on cars of the 50s and 60s, I would say the material is not asbestos for several reasons.

The factory-made and aftermarket pads I have seen are made of glass wool, usually of a yellow-orange color. Of course they get matted down and blackened with oil residue after several decades of use. The material is fluffy like cotton and irritates the skin after handling.

Asbestos is a white, slighly grayish, soft material. In many forms is resembles paper pulp which has been allowed to dry. It crumbles easily and would not stay intact if folded sharply. It does not have the fluffiness of glass wool. Asbestos sheeting thin enough to conform to underhood contours would be about 1/16'' to 1/8'' thick if a number had to be picked. It is not that irritating to the skin, but is deadly to the lungs if inhaled.

These underhood pads were not a required item, many cars never did have them. They would not do much to keep heat from entering or leaving the engine compartment. The main purpose would have to be noise reduction. The glass wool material was used for its heat resistance. Jute, tar paper, cotton, and excelsior as used in other areas of the car would not stand up to underhood temperatures.

The under hood temps would not reach levels high enough to require the use of asbestos. Asbestos was used for items like exhaust gaskets and brake linings.

[woody]

Todd,

Thanks for your reply. As you described, it's black in colour and looks like fiberglass batts (only thinner), as used in house roofs. Therefore, I'd say it's not asbestos.

Just to be safe, someone suggested removing the hood, turning it upside down and covering / filling it with water. This will keep any dust (asbestos or otherwise) to a minimum. Obviously you'd still use gloves and perhaps a face mask.