How to install sound deadening?  Why do you need Deadener?

Do you hear that? It’s your trunk rattling like aluminum cans in a bag. No, for real. All that rattling you hear when someone is bumping their system is the effect of no sound deadening. See, the bare metal surfaces in your vehicle resonate any, and all noises produced by the road, and even that banging system you have in there. To reduce this, sound deadening is used. There are many benefits to using sound deadening. Not only does sound deadening significantly reduce the amount of resonating noise inside your vehicle, but it can also limit the amount of exterior noise that enters the vehicle and not to mention, the type that includes a foil face, will provide some thermal protection as well. But, here’s the main reason to install sound deadener in your vehicle when you are a car audio lover; it greatly improves the sound quality of the system you installed. 

If you’re considering sound deadening for your vehicle, there are several options available from Down4Sound Shop that will meet and exceed any application that you may have.

Sound deadening may be one of the simplest products to install within your vehicle to help enhance sound quality. It’s basically just peeling the backing off, and stick it to the body panels you want to install it on. 

In this next section, I will give you a quick rundown as to how to go about installing sound deadening within your vehicle so you know how to prepare, and what to expect. 

What You Need For Sound Deadening Installation

Like I have stated previously, sound deadening is a fairly simple install, so here is the simple list of things you will need to get your install rolling.

    • Down4Sound sound deadening
    • Application roller
    • Panel removal tools
    • Extra panel clips/fasteners
    • Plastic scraper
    • Razor knife or another cutting tool
    • Vacuum
    • Alcohol 
    • Cleaning clothes
    • Basic hand tools (screwdrivers, socket set, etc.)

All these items are fairly straightforward. The panel removal tools and extra panel clips/fasteners will be used because, in most cases, you will have to remove trim panels from the interior of your vehicle to install the deadening on the metal surfaces. These tools will aid in the removal of these panels and will limit the chance of damaging the surface of the plastic. The clips and fasteners will be used in case any of these breaks during the panel removal process. Trust me, in older vehicles, this is almost guaranteed to happen.

Installation

Before we get into the how-to portion of the installation, I need to stress something very, very important. How you prepare the surface that the sound deadening will be installed onto is critical for the adhesion of the product to the metal surfaces. Preparation is key here. The better you prepare the surface, the more successful your installation will be.

Step 1: Determine where you will install the sound deadener, and measure how much of it you will need. Will you just be doing a trunk, the whole vehicle? Will you be adding more than one layer? You will need to know all this ahead of time to ensure you have the correct amount of deadener for your project.

Step 2: Purchase the type, thickness, and amount of deadener needed to accomplish your install. Choose your product based on where it will be installed and what the overall goal you have in mind.

Step 3: Once you have determined where to install the deadener, you will more than likely need to remove trim panels, seats, carpet, etc. Use your panel removal tools to gently remove any, and all panels that will be in your way. Also, if you will be installing deadener material on the floor or roof, you will have to remove the seats, consoles, carpet, and headliner.

Step 4: VERY IMPORTANT! Prepare the surfaces you will be installing the deadening onto. Vacuum any loose debris, remove any and all labels, foam, or other materials from the metal surfaces. Once completed, use alcohol, to remove any oil or sticky residue from the metal surface. This will ensure the sound deadening material will stick to the surfaces.

Step 5: Install your deadening. Measure for each piece cut them to size and then peel away the backing paper about 3” and place it where you want it to go. Use your application roller, and with firm pressure, press the portion of the deadener with the exposed adhesive, into the surface using a back and forth or up and down rolling motion, ensuring it has proper adhesion to the surface. Make sure to work the deadener into any corners or uneven surfaces. Once this is accomplished, continue to peel the backing paper off and continuing to press the deadener into place with the roller, making sure there is proper adhesion to the surface. Once your entire first layer is completely installed, you may now begin to install a second layer if that is what you decided. Otherwise, it’s time to reassemble your vehicle’s interior. 

NOTE: Take care if and when you install sound deadening onto the interior of the vehicle’s doors. The metal edges may be sharp and can cut you. I recommend using work gloves and wearing clothing that will protect your arms from contacting these sharp panels.

Step 6: Reinstall your vehicle’s interior pieces and replace any clips or fasteners that may have been damaged during removal. 

Step 7: Enjoy the reduced noise and rattles. More importantly, enjoy how much better your music will sound!

Sound Deadening Installation Recommendations

Down4Sound Shop carries several types and thicknesses of sound deadening to meet your needs. Here are some of the areas where sound deadening is installed, and the recommended thickness for those areas. 

What thickness deadener do I need?
VEHICLE AREA: GOOD BETTER BEST
ROOF D4S 160 MIL Acoustic Rubber 3 in 1 mat D4S 240 MIL Acoustic Rubber 3 in 1 mat 320 MIL “RILLAMAT” Deadener
FLOOR D4S 160 MIL Acoustic Rubber 3 in 1 mat D4S 240 MIL Acoustic Rubber 3 in 1 mat 320 MIL “RILLAMAT” Deadener
TRUNK  D4S 160 MIL Acoustic Rubber 3 in 1 mat D4S 240 MIL Acoustic Rubber 3 in 1 mat 320 MIL “RILLAMAT” Deadener
DOORS D4S 80 MIL “HEXIpoint” Deadener D4S 120 MIL “HEXIpoint” Deadener D4S 160 MIL Acoustic Rubber 3 in 1 mat
OTHER INTERIOR PANELS D4S 80 MIL “HEXIpoint” Deadener D4S 120 MIL “HEXIpoint” Deadener D4S 160 MIL Acoustic Rubber 3 in 1 mat

Keep in mind, these are just my personal recommendations for what type of D4S sound deadening you should consider installing in your vehicle. This recommendation can be and must be altered due to many factors such as the overall thickness of the deadening material and your budget. This is why DOWN4SOUND SHOP carries a wide variety of D4S deadening. We have something for every situation, and for every budget. I hope this article has provided some insight on why deadening is beneficial to the overall comfort of the interior of your vehicle and the added sound quality benefits to your audio system and its components.

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DISCLAIMER:

** Please note that this article provides general information on how to sound deadening inside a vehicle. Keep in mind that not all vehicles are the same and may require different installation methods and techniques to ensure a safe and effective install. By no means, am I a professional mechanic, and D4S and I, are not liable for any damages caused to your person or vehicle by following these instructions. Please consult a professional if you have any questions or concerns regarding your own vehicle and how to perform modifications such as the one explained in the previous statements.

IMPROVE SOUND! Deadening Treatment EXPLAINED - Better Bass and Improved Sound Quality!

About The Author Brandon L

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