Will the ice cream melt - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

SMART · 12-10-2007, 08:49 PM

Has anyone raised the concern of engine heat directly below the trunk area. I have heard that the heat can get excessive after long trips and driving which leads me to believe that this is not best for cargo that will be stored in the rear area.

To the 450 owners, is this anything that you guys have noticed before? Have there ever been any cases of the rear end catching on fire?

spdickey · 12-10-2007, 08:53 PM

The US spec 451's trunk padding is thicker than the Euro versions.

smorris · 12-10-2007, 09:46 PM

It didn't seem to be a problem for my VW or FIAT rear engine cars. Porsche is putting out some serious HP right there behind the driver, as are Ferarri, Lambo, et al. It shouldn't be a problem for a low out put engine with adequate insulation and cooling.

SmartShanna · 12-10-2007, 10:26 PM

If you are driving around with ice cream for such a long time as it's likely to melt, then you don't deserve to have ice cream ;)

a2jack · 12-10-2007, 10:31 PM

Always carry a straw.

A2jack

smartie yank · 12-10-2007, 11:07 PM

What heat?

rgaus · 12-11-2007, 05:20 PM

Nope. Not a problem. Six trips in the last 18 months with the Euro version that were in excess of 750 miles each. Straight through. No stops other than fuel. All summer trips. Absolutely no problems with heat from rear area.

Ron Gaus, aSmartCar.com

DaveInTexas · 12-11-2007, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smorris

It didn't seem to be a problem for my VW or FIAT rear engine cars.

Funny you should mention FIAT. The X-1/9 was notorious for heat in the rear trunk. I had a 1974 model that had the service bulletin done to it, in which they put a piece of fiberglass insulation and added a false bottom to the rear trunk to lessen the heat factor. It took away 3 inches of trunk depth. It made for a great place to store your tools. Especially in the winter, when you had to work on it on the side of the road.

Smartster · 12-11-2007, 06:32 PM

Well the 451 does produce a lot of heat, the other day after driving for 20 minutes I stopped and someone wanted to see the engine and wow opening the engine bay produced a huge wave of heat.

I've not noticed the back getting hot after an hour or so drive, so I doubt the ice cream would melt ;) there is a good seal around the engine bay and 2 heavy layers of firewall type material.

lhoboy · 12-11-2007, 09:22 PM

Put the ice cream under the hood. Plenty of room. Plenty cold in the winter.