I'm thinking about removing the gray, molded insulating pad
stuck to the underside of my hood for a cleaner engine bay look.

What is this thing, anyway? Is it thermal insulation or just
sound insulation? If I take it off, can I put it back on? Or is
removing it a destructive process? Is it just held on with
those little clips? Or is there some glue as well? Will I have
any problems running without it?

I figure some of the guys who have replaced their windshield
washer nozzles might have had to get under there and might
have a few answers.

 

As far as I know, it's just held on with those panel clips. I don't believe there is any adhesive.

It is mostly sound insulation, but I'm sure it has some thermal properties as well.

You might ruin some of those panel clips when removing them - but you should be able to buy them at any body shop place - if you go to a body shop, I wouldn't be surprised if they just give you some. They're a generic automotive fastener, and not Mazda specific, so they probably have thousands of them lying around.

 

hihoslva is right. The little clips are the only thing holding that pad on. The clips are pretty easy to pop out also. And as far as I can tell, the insulation pad isn't to really help keep a quiet ride, it is more of a heat shield. I know this for a fact because I took my insulation off the underside of the hood and now the hood gets VERY HOT.

Adam
91 LX 5-spd

 

I took the pad off when I installed my ricer lights. East to do.
just pry them off with a flathead screwdriver

 

how do you access the panel's clips? from the underside?

thanks

 

were there any ill effect from removing that cover? i would hate to remove it, and see that my hood starting to change colors.

 

given enough time.....if the hoods gets significantly hotter...it WILL discolor your paint. It may just take a while and will be obvious much sooner with a light color and may never actually show with the darker colors.....till its too late.

 

Leave it alone!!!!

 

mine is going to stay.

 

Maybe you can put some graphics on it so when you open the hood it will show up as something different. Just a thought.

 

or do something I have YET to see done to a Pro. remove the insulation...but to let the heat out....LOUVER THE HOOD!

 

that might look pretty cool with the flames i paint on!

 

personally I think it would.....

 

it really isnt that big of a thing. even if your trying to go show, its not like you drive around with your hood open showin everyone your nice under hood thing. haha. naw but i understand someone might want a more "showy" look. but whatever, just leave it i say

my 2 cents

 

do all pros have that cause when i bought mine (used) it didn't have any kind of pad under the hood.