Embossed aluminium thermal panel (heat shield) — radiant barrier, flexible and formable
0.5 mm embossed aluminium sheet designed to create lightweight, effective thermal shields in the engine bay and underbody. It reduces heat transfer into the cabin and protects sensitive components. Available in 50 × 30 cm and 50 × 122 cm, it’s easy to bend, form and cut for custom installs. Manufacturer-stated continuous rating up to 1100 °F (~593 °C).
Why choose it
- Radiant heat shielding: aluminium surface reflects heat from exhausts, turbos, manifolds and hot parts.
- Deep embossing: adds stiffness, dampens vibration and encourages thermal stand-off with micro air pockets.
- Flexible yet stable: bends without cracking and holds shape after forming.
- Universal mounting: cut with snips/fine saw; fix with rivets, screws/washers or stainless clamps (per location).
- Cuttable format: two stock sizes for small shields or large firewall/tunnel panels.
Typical applications
- Firewall/bulkhead and transmission tunnel to lower cabin heat.
- Floorpan, wheel housings and fuel tank shielding near exhausts/catalysts.
- Engine bay: around brake/fuel lines, wiring, ECUs and heat-sensitive parts.
- Racing/restomod projects and street retrofits needing a light, formable barrier.
Installation (step-by-step)
- Plan: identify the hot source and the surface to protect. Always leave an air gap between shield and heat source.
- Template & cut: make a cardboard template; cut with sheet-metal snips or a fine-tooth saw. Deburr edges.
- Form: bend on a bench or with a batten to follow curves and ribs. Embossing helps shape retention.
- Fix: use rivets with backing washers, self-tapping screws with washers, or stainless clamps on brackets. Where drilling isn’t possible, create L-brackets or use suitable high-temp sealants at the perimeter only.
- Check clearances: avoid contact with moving parts; keep wiring/drain holes clear.
Technical tips
- Air gap: even a few millimetres greatly improve radiant shielding efficiency.
- Don’t wrap the exhaust: this sheet is a barrier, not a wrap. Use dedicated wrap products for contact insulation.
- Layering: for very hot bulkheads, consider a cold-side insulator (glass/ceramic) + this hot-side shield.
- Safety: sharp edges — wear gloves; account for vibration and thermal expansion when hot.
Key specs
| Material |
Embossed aluminium, thickness 0.5 mm |
| Sizes |
50 × 30 cm • 50 × 122 cm (cuttable) |
| Thermal rating |
Up to 1100 °F (~593 °C) continuous (manufacturer-stated) |
| Fixing |
Rivets, screws/washers, brackets and stainless clamps; edges sealable with suitable high-temp sealants |
| Use cases |
Firewall, tunnel, floorpan, tank, exhaust/catalyst shielding |
| Workability |
Cut with snips, bench-bend, hand-form |
At a glance
- Lightweight radiant heat shield for street and race applications.
- Fast, custom install: cut and bend with common tools.
- Protects the cabin and extends component life near heat.
FAQ
Can I mount it near the exhaust?
Yes, as a radiant barrier with an air gap. Avoid direct contact; use dedicated wraps for contact insulation.
How do I fix it without drilling the body?
Use existing brackets, stainless clamps or mounting plates. High-temp sealants are for perimeter/anti-vibration, not a structural fixing in critical zones.
Can it be painted?
Bare aluminium reflects best. If you paint it, use high-temp finishes and expect reduced reflectivity.
How tight can I bend it?
The embossing allows relatively tight bends and holds shape. Make progressive bends and dry-fit before final mounting.
