As enthusiasts and restorers, we've learned a lot about how to make our vintage rides more enjoyable. Aside from the obvious-fuel injection, overdrive, more comfortable seats, outrageous instrumentation, modern sound systems, larger wheels and tires, throaty exhaust systems-there's also the not-so-obvious. From Quiet Ride Solutions comes AcoustiShield, a terrific sound-deadening package designed to make a night-and-day difference in cruising quality by shutting out unwanted road and driveline noise along with extremes of heat and cold.
We decided to install AcoustiShield on Project Reclaim from Mustangs Plus and The Restomod Shop. Quiet Ride Solutions drove over to The Restomod Shop from its nearby Stockton, California, factory and showed us how it is done before we began the interior installation on Project Reclaim. Installation is quite simple because AcoustiShield consists of pre-cut, ready-to-install aerospace material designed to keep noise, heat, and cold out while maintaining quiet along with a constant temperature inside. Another important ally in the war on noise, heat, and cold is Dynamat, which sticks to steel surfaces to dampen noise and vibration where it begins.
This is AcoustiShield and...
This is AcoustiShield and Dynamat from Quiet Ride Solutions. It arrives on your doorstep ready to install. All you need is a high-quality trim adhesive. We suggest the use of 3M Spray Trim Adhesive for best results.
Installation begins with Dynamat...
Installation begins with Dynamat self-adhesive strips, which go on like this. You must have a clean surface. Once Dynamat is applied, roll it on for solid adhesion.
AcoustiShield for the roof...
AcoustiShield for the roof is sprayed with trim adhesive before installation. Do not install immediately, but instead allow time to dry slightly.
Trim adhesive is also applied...
Trim adhesive is also applied to the roof panel and allowed to tack off. It's ready for AcoustiShield installation once it is sticky.
AcoustiShield, a multi-stage...
AcoustiShield, a multi-stage automotive insulation sound-dampening material, is installed next. This material keeps noise, along with heat and cold, out. Imagine driving in a heavy rain and not hearing the sound. That's how good this sound-dampening system is. Dynamat heads off the initial road boom and slipstream noise. AcoustiShield soaks up the rest, including temperature. This is the same kind of material used in jetliners to keep noise and cold out at high altitudes.
Once roof panels and sail...
Once roof panels and sail pillars are covered, the kick panels and floorpans are next. Again, apply trim adhesive to both surfaces and allow it to tack off. Align material and apply firmly.
AcoustiShield is applied to...
AcoustiShield is applied to the rear floorpan once Dynamat has been applied.
Dynamat is applied to the...
Dynamat is applied to the inner quarter-panels as shown.
Here, the pre-cut AcoustiShield...
Here, the pre-cut AcoustiShield has been applied and worked into place.
Dynamat is also used on the...
Dynamat is also used on the inner quarter-panels inside the trunk. AcoustiShield is installed in these areas to soak up unwanted noise.
When Dynamat installation...
When Dynamat installation is complete, your floorpans should look like this.
AcoustiShield is laid down...
AcoustiShield is laid down in large, pre-cut sheets using trim adhesive. Gaps between sheets will be taped again for optimum performance. You'll need to cut out the holes for the shifter, seat studs, and seatbelt bolts.
Dynamat should be installed...
Dynamat should be installed on flat floorpan surfaces for optimum performance. You don't want air gaps between Dynamat and the steel because it defeats the purpose.
We're working with a gutted...
We're working with a gutted Mustang fastback, so not every step will be possible with yours, especially if you need it every day. Wheelhouses and quarter areas are covered next to cancel out road noise.
Trunk floors are next. This...
Trunk floors are next. This soaks up a lot of the exhaust resonance.
We like this piece, which...
We like this piece, which serves as both a trunk floor and sound dampener.
An aluminum heat shield is...
An aluminum heat shield is installed behind the door panels.
Our completed Quiet Ride Solutions...
Our completed Quiet Ride Solutions installation is ready for action. The result will be a late-model Mustang-caliber ride.
Dynamat works better inside...
Dynamat works better inside doors than that goopy factory undercoat Ford used 45 years ago. If your doors echo when closed, use Dynamat inside.