Sound proofing, in my case reducing concrete freeway noise. Finding good information has been a challenge. What are the best type of materials, how much to use, where to use it. Is it more of a hit and miss situation, or cover everything with deadening material? I did all 4 doors when I replaced the speakers, with minimal effect. So the question is, is there any definitive information about sound proofing a 3rd gen Prius, short of tearing out the whole interior? Don Sambrook from Sound Deadener Showdown, seems very knowledgeable, and the price of materials is reasonable, unfortunately shipping costs are high (not his fault). I have contacted Cascade Audio twice, with no response. There are posts talking about everything from insulation rolls from Home Depot, to 3d Maxplier floor mats, carpet padding, and all brands of sound deadening materials. Then there are rubberized sprays. Last but not least, tires, some are quieter than others. Replacing tires sure is easier than tearing the car apart, and installing sound deadening material. But tires would only be part of the solution. Is it possible to reduce road noise without doing the whole floor, and trunk areas? Or turning up the stereo.
Dynamat or a knock off, adhesive backed stick it roll it with a hair dryer and it's good, do the door interiors, yes the floors, including the hatch area, you will be able to turn the sound down and relax your eardrums, you might check with crutchfield about speaker replacement, upgraded speakers is always worth it, but crutchfield will give you installation instructions, step by step for removing or dismantling the Doors and dash, very handy, and free on the site.
there are sound deadening threads here, very successful from what i've read. yes, a lot of work. i put michelin energy savers on, and couldn't believe the difference in road noise. amazing, after driving with oem's for 13 years. $600. installed.
I installed a pair of these and they worked wonders! About $.05 in bulk. Or free if you "borrow" them from work. I apologize, I couldn't resist.
In my opinion the trunk/hatch seemed to make the biggest difference to me. I did the 4 doors first and it helped alittle but I really noticed the noise reduction once the trunk was finished, it just might be that combined it made the biggest difference. I did not do the floors/roof. (This was using SDS material)
I just did the inside and the outside of the 4 doors and upgraded all 8 JBL speakers there is an incredible difference in exterior road noise. Everyone always forgets to do the roof and that is where you will reduce the most noise. If you door the doors, floors back and the roof with quality materials (Dynamat or equivalent) there will be an amazing difference.
Shinetsu grease on weather stripping will get rid of all the door/hatch rattle. The grease helps lubricate and swell seals to new. When I replace the speakers, I will be sure to use some sound deadening material.
