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K.M



Member Since: 28 Apr 2016
Location: Salisbury
Posts: 300

United Kingdom 2016 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Montalcino Red
Soundproofing and Motorway Driving - Is it worth doing?
As the Defender is my daily drive - of which 95% of my driving is done up and down the M6, M42 and M40 - I'm looking at making her a little more comfortable, although that said I'm not particularly unhappy with the way things currently are!

I remember reading a few threads on here previously that soundproofing key areas like under the bonnet, doors and rear wheel arches (110 SW with exposed internal arches) makes a noticeable difference when driving around town (25 - 40mph) but can't seem to find any extensive information on how these changes impact motorway driving (60 - 75mph).

Could anybody shed any light on whether there is a notable difference and whether it is worth doing?

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Post #588121 28th Dec 2016 12:30pm
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Mash



Member Since: 09 Feb 2015
Location: Guernsey
Posts: 1674

Guernsey 1998 Defender 90 300 Tdi HT Nato Green
I have done a small amount of sound proofing (fatmat) and also fitted a rad-haz kit to the Wolf, this has made a difference in the fact I don't have to shout as loud to my passengers at motorway speeds, if you did a full sound proofing job it would make a vast difference. 90 wolf - Jasmin http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic39408.html
90 V8 - Maggie http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic42564.html
110 TD5 - Buggsy http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic59029.html
52HG25 lightweight https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic72342.html
D3 Hse - Fiona
Capri 2l S - Anna

Think I might have a problem............
Post #588123 28th Dec 2016 12:36pm
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K.M



Member Since: 28 Apr 2016
Location: Salisbury
Posts: 300

United Kingdom 2016 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Montalcino Red
Thanks, Mash!

I would expect a difference to be had from covering the currently exposed rear wheel arches as at the moment there is nothing to dampen the NVH etc... and then given that I won't really want to see the soundproofing I'd probably look at applying some form of carpet or rubberised cover.

I wouldn't have an issue removing the door cards and applying some to the doors as I'm having the doorcards leather trimmed anyway so whilst they're off it makes sense but again... is it really worth it?

Overall, I'm just curious as to the difference it would make at motorway speeds to decide whether the expensive, time, effort and additional weight is worth it... or should I just invest in better speakers Rolling with laughter
Post #588131 28th Dec 2016 12:59pm
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Paulv8



Member Since: 09 Jun 2013
Location: Milton Keynes
Posts: 618

1989 Defender 90 V8 Petrol CSW Alpine White
I am just in the process of soundproofing my 2.2 utility. The back is done (sticky 8mm closed cell foam and an eBay carpet kit. It's a big improvement, especially in the rain.

Just working in the front now. I will keep you posted V8 90...WIP
Post #588144 28th Dec 2016 2:00pm
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JOW240725



Member Since: 04 May 2015
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 7904

United Kingdom 2012 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Orkney Grey
I've had skinz throughout our 110SW. Like you say below 40mph is way better, as you go faster the effect is less noticeable as wind noise takes over. However at motorway speeds it is still much better, particularly in the wet as the splash and stone splatter is much reduced.

You might argue having spent a fortune I would say it is much better, but I think it's true. James
MY2012 110 2.2TDCi XS SW Orkney Grey - http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic43410.html
MY1990 110 200TDi SW beautifully faded Portofino Red - https://www.defender2.net/forum/post743641.html#743641
MY1984 90 V8 Slate Grey - https://www.defender2.net/forum/post744557.html#744557
Instagram @suffolk_rovers
Post #588155 28th Dec 2016 2:26pm
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bm52



Member Since: 04 Apr 2010
Location: Kent
Posts: 2189

United Kingdom 2014 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Havana
simple answer is YES.

I do a lot of motorway miles. covered all floors, rear sides, inside of seat boxes and bell housing with closed foam and silent coat 2mm on flat panels.

Also added under bonnet foam mat, search for my thread on this.

It has made a huge difference.
Post #588163 28th Dec 2016 2:54pm
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Stacey007



Member Since: 25 Sep 2015
Location: Cheshire
Posts: 3748

United Kingdom 
Hello

I have a 110 SW and I've been doing this myself... Not done any on the roof.

Biggest difference I thought were the front seat box's

Then the rear Boot floor

For best 'sound' the doors covered in the stuff slam a lot better than a tin can.

I still have the passenger side to do and more if I can up by the bulkhead, I'm waiting for warmer weather Smile


I used 2mm Silent coat and then 8mm soft closed foam. example of what I have done below.... It makes a bigger difference as other have said under 40 mph. I tend to only cruise at 60 mph so still thinks it helps. However as others above that its probably less so as more other noises become obvious...







Click image to enlarge



Click image to enlarge



Click image to enlarge
Post #588180 28th Dec 2016 4:23pm
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K.M



Member Since: 28 Apr 2016
Location: Salisbury
Posts: 300

United Kingdom 2016 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Montalcino Red
Thank you all for your replies! By the sound of it (no pun intended) it sounds like its certainly a worthwhile exercise!

The next question is no doubt both subjective and disputed BUT... which product is better? I know that bm52 has used NK (which comes to around £300) and then there is Dynamat and even Stinger Roadkill from Mudstuff.... what are peoples thoughts?

At the moment, Mudstuff have discounted the Roadkill to £96 for 3.4m2 but obviously if I'm doing it, I want to make sure I'm doing it with the best possible materials!

As always, your views / feedback is greatly appreciated Thumbs Up
Post #588361 29th Dec 2016 7:57am
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JOW240725



Member Since: 04 May 2015
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 7904

United Kingdom 2012 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Orkney Grey
The feedback I got from several people was Skinz was every bit as good as Dynamat but at slightly less cost. I know MCMA1 had issues with the Skinz falling off his roof, but mine appears to be staying put with no problems so far. James
MY2012 110 2.2TDCi XS SW Orkney Grey - http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic43410.html
MY1990 110 200TDi SW beautifully faded Portofino Red - https://www.defender2.net/forum/post743641.html#743641
MY1984 90 V8 Slate Grey - https://www.defender2.net/forum/post744557.html#744557
Instagram @suffolk_rovers
Post #588365 29th Dec 2016 8:10am
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Paulv8



Member Since: 09 Jun 2013
Location: Milton Keynes
Posts: 618

1989 Defender 90 V8 Petrol CSW Alpine White
Closed cell sticky back foam with foil face 8mm 5m2 for 50 notes on eBay. V8 90...WIP
Post #588380 29th Dec 2016 9:41am
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K.M



Member Since: 28 Apr 2016
Location: Salisbury
Posts: 300

United Kingdom 2016 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Montalcino Red
Perhaps its my ignorance to soundproofing, but I hadn't even considered applying anything on top of the foam sheeting other than perhaps a carpet (at a later date) or relaying the rubber flooring which is already factory fitted. How necessary is the closed cell foam in this case? Would a substantial difference be noticed?

So a quick Amazon / Google search has thrown up the following:

Dynamat Extreme - £137.95 with free delivery and can have it tomorrow (18 inch x 32 inch)
Stinger Roadkill - £104.50 including postage and will have it around 06 Jan when they re-open. (18 inch x 32 inch)
Skinz - £100 and will have it around 09th Jan (15 inch x 10 inch)

Which would be better as a single layer option or am I still missing something / a brand?

I'm hoping - as suggested - to do the seat boxes, rear SW floor, sides and rear wheel arches (internal) as well as the doors and maybe even the roof!
Post #588397 29th Dec 2016 11:23am
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Stiff1



Member Since: 09 Dec 2014
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 595

United Kingdom 2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Java Black
I found silent coat to be as good as any product.

What you must be aware of is that this layer will only really reduce the resonance of the panels.

You must then add a decoupling and sound absorbing layer as mentioned re the CSF, this is what will really reduce the air borne noise.

You are also correct that at 60+ mph the wind noise is what you will really notice but all the little bits will help.
Post #588404 29th Dec 2016 12:36pm
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Stacey007



Member Since: 25 Sep 2015
Location: Cheshire
Posts: 3748

United Kingdom 
I used silent coat, easy to work with and seems to go a long way,

Cannot remember now but the bulk packs were around £75

The foam I bought a big roll off the bay and cut as needed, With the silent coat, then the closed cell foam, then the carpet it all has to help Smile


These are the packs I bought (2 so far) but I got it a tad cheaper..


https://www.amazon.co.uk/Silent-Coat-Sound...ilent+coat

This type of foam..


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5m-x1m-Polyethyl...Swwo1Xdjdf
Post #588583 29th Dec 2016 9:45pm
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Froglaise



Member Since: 24 Sep 2016
Location: left forum
Posts: 212

K.M wrote:
Perhaps its my ignorance to soundproofing, but I hadn't even considered applying anything on top of the foam sheeting other than perhaps a carpet (at a later date) or relaying the rubber flooring which is already factory fitted. How necessary is the closed cell foam in this case? Would a substantial difference be noticed?

So a quick Amazon / Google search has thrown up the following:

Dynamat Extreme - £137.95 with free delivery and can have it tomorrow (18 inch x 32 inch)
Stinger Roadkill - £104.50 including postage and will have it around 06 Jan when they re-open. (18 inch x 32 inch)
Skinz - £100 and will have it around 09th Jan (15 inch x 10 inch)

Which would be better as a single layer option or am I still missing something / a brand?

I'm hoping - as suggested - to do the seat boxes, rear SW floor, sides and rear wheel arches (internal) as well as the doors and maybe even the roof!


I have to do 800 miles a month on the motorway and at speed it's wind noise though the windows and doors which is loudest and most annoying. The type of work described here doesn't do anything for that so I've just finished installing fixed rear windows, nicely sealed in properly and also a double door seal. Has cut a lot of the wind noise and cold air blasts out especially at 70-80mph. Much improved and closer to car like.

For other noise it's definitely worth treating the Defender though covering all panels with dynamat etc isn't really worth the money - you only need to cover about 50% of the flat panels, perhaps less. These treatments don't block or absorb sound, they stop the panel from creating sound.....
You then need to decouple with CFS and then block/absorb/diffuse with something of mass on top of that. Heavy and dense final layer is the way if you are really serious.
Post #588703 30th Dec 2016 3:53pm
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custom90



Member Since: 21 Jan 2010
Location: South West, England.
Posts: 20325

United Kingdom 
I've covered most of mine in Dynamat as the more you have helps, but is costly.
Minimal application on a panel will still give you around 80% of the same effect though I'd have though at 1/2 the cost.

Be careful that some cheap soundproofing materials have been found to contain Lead, which of course is harmful. â­ï¸â­ï¸God Bless the USA 🇬🇧🇺🇸 â­ï¸â­ï¸
Post #588704 30th Dec 2016 3:57pm
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