To Dynamat or Not
 

I've read the previous threads on sound insulation. I've found an audio store that will DynaMat the rear hatch. To those who have done it, does it help? Also, when a buyer looks at the car at sale time, is this going to emphasize the noise problem to him or would it impress him that I've mitigated it. I hesitate to sort of call attention to the whole noise issue and I also hesitate to install a "mod" that can't be removed at sale time. On the other hand, I'd love a quieter cabin. Thoughts?

It doesn't really do much. I did the entire hatch with mine and while it cuts down on a hint of noise, you really need to do the entire hatch and cockpit.

If you mean the entire hatch area - not just the hatch itself - I'd say let them do it. The mod is not removable, but is invisible and will look factory to 99.9% of the folks out there. It took me a complete weekend to do the doors and hatch area. I was pleased with the change. It was not dramatic, but it did make a difference.

When you say the cockpit, do you mean taking out the seats, carpet, etc? Did you do all that? If so, how did it turn out, especially in terms of creating squeaks and rattles?

there is a volume control knob that takes care of the road noise ;) thats my plan

I did my doors, cabin floor and hatch area and I'm glad I did it. Prior to doing it, the noise in the cabin area was significant and I had difficulty talking to the passenger. I am a bit hard of hearing. Once I installed the dynamat style sound damping material, I could hold normal conversations with a passenger and when driving over any bumps, I also notice less jolting noise and the car actually seemed less jarring.

I probably wouldn't bother, but I really don't find the car to be that noisy.

That's just the effect I'm looking for. Would you mind telling me how much I should spend to get this done and if it created any squeaks or rattles.

Yes, do the dynamat! :)

I did the install myself so I can't speak to the cost for someone else to install it. I purchased 40 Sqft of 2nd Skin's damplifier (very similar product to dynamat) and 9 sqft of luxury liner. If I recall correctly, it costs right around $100. No rattles or squeaks. I'm very pleased with the results. I also installed an aftermarket radio, amp and speakers so I certainly didn't mind digging into the car.

Yeah, I meant dynamating the entire interior. I never did it, but I think it's the only way to go on a hatch-type car if you really want to cut down on road noise. And even then you might need more than dynamat. Dynamat adds weight to interior panels to help prevent resonance, but doesn't really do all that much to absorb the transfer of sound. You might need something heavier overtop of the dynamat like Second Skin's "Luxury Liner."

I think the best thing to do is just put the windows down, get an exhaust, or turn up your music and just enjoy the drive. :tup:

Thanks.

Thanks for your thoughts.

You will not remove tire noise with dynamat, you need something more foamy.

oldguy- if you're interested, check out 90ST's album page. he's an oldskool audiophile kinda guy and did the entire car before starting his audio project. :)