Date: Wed, 17 Jul 2013 19:06:10 -0400
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Sound proofing, was: Muffler question
In-Reply-To: <33952C8C-24C2-4976-B5F4-E3388AAA9574@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
Some on line sellers like onlinecarstereo.com and sonic electronix often
have good deals on sound absorbing materials like Dynamat. The Dynamat lite
works well on the door panels and can replace the plastic liner. Some small
pieces on the outer skin really change the characteristics of the door sound
and feel even when closing them.
For exhaust at some point the complete system will need changing. A worth
while upgrade for the 1.9L vans is to go with the 2.1L exhaust. The stock
2.1 muffler is both better flowing and quitter. The improved mounting also
helps reduce some of the exhaust vibrations. This change does require all
the 2.1 exhaust parts including the rear engine mount bracket. As for other
engine noise reaching the cabin, the rear engine mounts can be part of the
problem. When they flatten out all the noise and harshness goes right into
the body. Be careful of replacements. Presently I have found the Meyle brand
to be the closest to OEM. The stuff from India is just too hard.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Eric Caron
Sent: Wednesday, July 17, 2013 6:04 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Sound proofing, was: Muffler question
Tom and others,
I would really love to improve the sound proofing in my 85
Westfalia. I want to do this without either adding too much wait or
inadvertently doing something that might cause rust issues or other
problems.
Tom could you share a few more details on what you did? for example
does this product you use have adhesive all ready on it? did you cut pieces
with tin snips to fit and then press them in place? Did you put back the
original fiberglass? I'm guessing the sticky asfault side stuck to the metal
leaving the shiny side out but I don't want to assume.
Can you tell me where I might get the lighter product as weight in my ban is
something I watch very carefully.
I also wonder if there are other tips on how to apply sound proofing to the
inner sides of the van.
I'm also interested in doing work for sound and undercoat strengthening but
thought I should save that for a future post.
I want to keep my van as original as possible but sound proofing is a area I
would be thrilled to modify. This is probably partly due to being blind
and really liking to hear as much as possible! Also for this reason verbal
directions rather then pictures are greatly appreciated!
Eric Caron
85 Westfalia GL Auto
On Jul 17, 2013, at 4:04 PM, Tom Boldway <jboldway@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:
> My guess is the problem isn't really so much the muffler as it is the
total lack of sound deadening on your vanagon. Peel & Seal roof flashing
(sticky asphalt goo on one side, shiny aluminum on other) comes in 6" x25'
rolls at Lowes and Home Despot for about $17. I suggest you apply it to the
metal panels on the right rear and rear lid. Remove the trim panel from the
rear lid, pull out the fiberglass insulation and apply the stuff to the door
lid after you have cleaned off all the dust/junk from the door surfaces. The
rear fender area involves removing the upper air inlet grill from the pillar
and fishing strips of the peel&seal inside the metal areas. Find a skinny
kid to snake his arm down there or use a stick to press it in place. Bang on
the panels first to see how much it sounds like a giant empty tin can. Then
bang on them after you have applied the peel & seal. Very noticeable
difference. Yeah, the dynamat is lighter and better but it's a TON more
expensive.
>
> Tom
>
> '79 Mercedes 300SD "Green Hornet"
> '84 Westy Vanagon "Spiny Norman"
> '86 Alfa Romeo Spider "Dinsdale"
> '98 Mercedes E320 wagon "Silver Hornet"
>
