engine heats up

I have a 1955 speedster body by fiberfab frame by metalcraft Ive had it aprox 12mo. It heats up fast, gage goes almost to red ( 1/4 in from all the way). Ive beem told its sucking air up from opening around engine (you can see light around engine in several places). Is there a asbestos like material that I can block these cracks off with,that can with stand the heat? Maybe something that goes on like a paste? Any suggestions
Thanks
Dennis

There should be a rubber type gasket aroung the engine tin that seals it up, do you have this and still have gaps or is it missing completely?

What size engine do you have and how many miles are on it?

Will start here and then after you answer these questions we will have more information to help you with, but we will figure out exactly where the problem lies and what you can do to solve it?

Dennis, I am positive your problem is due to the lack of engine tin in the compartment. You should be able to use the VW engine tin as used by Bugs to surround the engine as well as a VW gasket (most Speedster builders use the foam H type for Type 2's (buses or Transporters) between that tin and the body. Speedster bodies are notorious for restricting fresh air flow to the engine; the trick is to completely isolate the top of the engine from the bottom of the engine and to supply fresh, cool air to the top of the engine so that the fan and the carb(s) get what they need. In fact, that's the way all air cooled VW's and Porsches were designed.

"it heats up fast", do you have your thermostat/vanes hooked up?
are they operable/stuck? Are you sure the indication is trust worthy?
did this problem jusy occer all of a sudden?