HushMat’sTim McCarthy has been in the business of quiet since the 1980s. With the development of interior acoustic damping technology in Japanese cars driving massive changes in the auto industry, American OEMs eventually responded and McCarthy was part of that push. From working for big Detroit steel to eventually marketing his own brand of material, McCarthy has remained committed to the product, and the production of materials in the U.S.A. No wonder HushMat has raised quiet (and cool) to an artform.
Hot Rod Hotline recently chatted with McCarthy about HushMat's history what sets it apart from competitors.
“HushMat was the original sound deadening or sound damping material developed for the automotive industry in 1989. But it not only applies to automobiles but boats, RVs, buses, dishwashers, laundry equipment, Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning equipment. Our adage is ‘If it has wheels, floats or is in the home and it makes noise or generates heat – HushMat is the Solution!'
“In part, we can do that because our product is significantly more flexible than other products – look at this 1970 Roadrunner floor pan (see below) – you can see every channel, drain plug and contour through the HushMat material. This means you have 100% surface contact the absolute highest sound & thermal performance,” explains McCarthy.
Ease of installation is an important feature of the product, as anyone who has installed insulation of any sort knows. HushMat’s material doesn’t require surfaces to be pre-treated.
We asked McCarthy about the initial development and distribution of HushMat.
“This product has been validated by over 25 years of in-vehicle performance in Ford, GM, Chrysler vehicles driven all over the world in every imaginable climate,” says McCarthy. “We’ve confirmed this by stripping down bodies in junk yards and our product is still adhered. We’ve built our brand through the brick and mortar retail/jobber and wholesale distribution structure that has supported the automotive aftermarket since its inception; folks like Motor State, Speedway Motors, Yogi’s, Classic Industries, National Performance/Speed Warehouse, P&E, Dix Performance North, MOPAC and Performance Improvements to mention a few.”
That’s good company to keep, and helps demonstrate why HushMat is particularly useful for hot rods and collector cars.
Readers may remember Hot Rod M.D., Jim Clark, and his insulation install article: Go HERE for reference. It demonstrates the benefit of aftermarket insulation for classic cars. Hot Rods look great, but who wants to just look at them? And if you run them, the technology to be comfortable is right at hand. “You still enjoy the nostalgic look without all the heat and noise,” elaborates McCarthy. “If your wife or significant other complains about the uncomfortable or hot ride in your hot rod, or if you just want to make your ride more solid and reduce the road noise, HushMat is for you! It also helps to reduce the heat coming into your vehicle from the engine, headers, exhaust or sun.”
HushMat has also been part of a number of exciting builds and projects, but we asked about a few favorites.
“HushMat was part of the Chip Foose/WD-40 Team that built the Ford F150 for SEMA Care’s Foundation,” says McCarthy. “I was very humbled by the team of kids at the Alex Xydias School who built this vehicle. We have supported fundraising builds for the Breast Cancer, American Cancer Society, and several others that donated the proceeds to these significant foundations. Another awesome project was the Mustang that we partnered with R&A Motorsports and the Mystical Build Project.”
So, what’s next for HushMat? The company now has the manufacturing capability to produce large dimension sheets, extruding material at 24” and 18” widths which means reduced install times. There are also over 1900 Custom Vehicle specific sound deadening & thermal insulation kits available, which takes the guess work out of material prep. There are also plans to expand into more passenger vehicles and trucks.
Finally we asked McCarthy his advice on choosing a product:
“Do your homework. Scratch below the surface of what you read – learn a bit more about what is behind the brand you are purchasing. Would you rather install a USA made product with over 25 years or in-vehicle validation in your vintage hot rod or one that was manufactured in China and “Manupackaged” in the USA?”
Sound advice from the sound experts.
HushMat’s universal sound and thermal insulating materials have been manufactured in the USA for over 20 years. HushMat Ultra was rated the #1 insulating material in recent independent study (Restorer Magazine Jan 2009) . Tired of that Hot, Noisy and Uncomfortable ride. Enjoy a Cool, Quiet and Comfortable ride with HushMat.
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