Installing sound deadning mat

[toyota_jon]

I'm about to install eDead mat in my 4runner, and i'm checking to see if anyone has any suggestions or tips about how to go about installing it, or anything to watch out for. since i've never done this before i'm just making sure i dont get halfway through and then realize i've done something wrong. TIA
Jon

[StumpXJ]

Check out Tacodoc's thread, I know he did this with his truck. It looked like a lot of work, but im sure its worth it.

~James

[slooowr6]

2nd that, Tacodoc did a great job on his truck. There are detail pics of his installation. Take look and see how far you want to go.

[Grim Reaper]

Definitely keep us updated on this. My 86 is starting to irritate me with the noise. I have been pouring over all the recent sound deadening threads.

Let me know how much you end up using.


Are you going to pull the side panels and do the inside of the fenders? From what I have read and knowing how little steel is under the side panel it seems like that is going to be the best way to do it. On mine the flimsy plastic panels are gone and replaced with Aluminum plate (in my build link in sig). Looks like I need to also do the back side of those panels.

Be prepared for the captive nuts on the front seat coming loose on the rear mounts where they go through the floor. I had one break loose and I have read of others having the same problem. Might want to run a tap through the threads before you reinstall the bolts.

[TACODOC]

Well worth the work IMO.

This is not really a one weekend project unless you like to burn the midnight oil. This is best done with plenty of time to do it right and probably best done in summer since the materials are more pliable in higher temps.

eDead is hands down the best IMO, sticks well and is very durable. Spend the extra $ on the thicker variety. The pourable stuff for the floorpans is very effective, although it is costly.

On a budget (like I was) Fatmat works well if you double it up on the floorpan, and mine is still in place after a couple years of long, hard trails. I have had no problems with Fatmat sticking.

All sound deadening materials reek to high heaven because of their composition and the adhesive... this smell will go away. My truck smelled like a CALTRANS tar truck inside for about a month but is now odor free

Preparation is critical. I cleaned out the truck with soap an water, dried it well, and then I wiped down ALL surfaces with alcohol to remove oil, residue, etc. You dont want your materials to not stick!

Dont cut corners, if you're going to disassemble the interior, pull it all out - seats, carpet, door panels, etc. This is a good time for oddball maintenance, lubrication in doors, and overall inspection.

Catalog your parts as you remove them and have a safe place to store them inside. Ziplock bags, tape, and a sharpie for marking and keeping them together will pay off at reassembly time!

Take care with plastic parts since they may be brittle on an 85 4Runner (I had an 88 4Runner and they were a little brittle) and I'm sure they are hard to replace. You can get good automotive interior spray paint that is for dash and door panels that you could use to freshen up the appearance of any defects. I'd just do them all for a brand new look

When you apply your materials, use the roller and put your back into it! Make it adhere well. Cut small strips vice large ones and piece it together like a puzzle. This will allow you to get it in tight door spaces etc. Be aware of functionality of systems - dont get it in the way of window travel etc.

The devil is in the details, but take your time and have fun!

If you need any help shoot me a PM.

[Grim Reaper]

TOCODOC:

I don't recall but did you just go over the factory mats or did you scrape them out?


Edit: Never mind I can see now that you went over it.

[TACODOC]

TOCODOC:

I don't recall but did you just go over the factory mats or did you scrape them out?


Edit: Never mind I can see now that you went over it.

Yep, I left them in as they are actually quite thick... but they don't provide continuous coverage.

[J_wings24]

TacoDoc,
After the install could you tell a major difference? I've thought about doing this, but with the time it takes I want to make sure it is worth it.


thanks,

[TACODOC]

I did, especially the doors. They sounded tinny before, now when you close the door it's a solid thunk.

Road noise is lessened primarily by what you do to the floor pan and firewall... pay close attention there. I went all out as you can see

The wind noise from the windshield and window glass will still be there but thats to be expected. I have some wind noise from my rack but I just turn up the tunes.

The #1 benefit of all this is the improved sound quality from your speakers. Your music will sound much fuller with the doors properly insulated!