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Sound deadening.

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by chuckiechan, Aug 4, 2019.

  1. chuckiechan

    chuckiechan Member

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    I have a Prius Gen three, and I’m considering a new Gen 4. I live in Sacramento, CA.

    My question is, can anyone help me find a company who does sound deadening on Prius somewhere in either in my area, the SF Bay area, or East to Reno, NV, or even down to LA as a last choice. I plan to buy a new Prius and sound treat it.

    I don’t really want to do it myself. But if I’m stuck, where do I get the supplies?

    Thanks in advance.
     
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    When you hire a shop to do this work you're not only paying the employees, but you're paying for all all the costs of the shop plus a small profit for the owner... On the other hand, if you source the best material for the best price online, as well as hire an individual with enough skills to do the job you're going to keep the price down to as much as 1/3 of the cost a shop would charge. If I were you I'd start asking around at local auto detailing shops or car stereo installation places and see if you can find a young upstart that wants to pick up some side work... Only skill that's crucial is the ability to take the interior apart and put it back together. Lastly, super expensive soundproof is not worth the price, go with less expensive, though not as soundproof...
     
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  3. TNeil

    TNeil Junior Member

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    i was thinking about doing this too.. i would sound proof interior of my car but for safety reasons cant, so this is the next best thing.

    if you decide to follow through , let us know how much improvement you experience..
     
  4. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    And check your wheel bearings. I’ve noticed noisy wheel bearings turning up on lots of Japanese cars of the past 15 years, emerging after around 60k miles of use. Stop the noise at the source and you’ll need less insulation.
     
  5. chuckiechan

    chuckiechan Member

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    I think if I buy another Pruis this fall, I will study U Tube videos and do what I can do myself. Probably floor insulation, doors, and maybe undercoating is doable. I can’t see doing much more than that.
     
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  6. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    It's really straightforward work and can be done a little bit at a time... First step is to find the most sensitive decibel meter phone app and have someone else drive on a really rough rural road while you crawl around and get measurements of where the loudest noises are coming from and focus on those first, then keep doing that same stretch of road after each upgrade. You'll find some sound deadening efforts will make no difference and some will make a huge difference.
     
  7. Greenteapri

    Greenteapri Active Member

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    I recently did the floor in the hatch. It made a noticeable difference by reducing road noise and enhancing music clarity. Music never sounded better in the Pri. Do it! 170066_20190701_175332.jpg
     
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  8. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Nice.... Do you have a name / link to that particular material? Also what other materials do you recommend?
     
  9. Greenteapri

    Greenteapri Active Member

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    It's called FatMat. I bought it several years ago for my other vehicles. I found an entire roll, that I forgot I had, while purging my main man-cave. Lol

    A quick Google search shows that they are still around and have excellent reviews on Amazon. I don't remember what I paid for it.

    I would recommend a heat gun, a sharp knife and a mini roller. I believe the mini roller came with my FatMat purchase after a certain square footage.
     
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  10. Ajrob671

    Ajrob671 Junior Member

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    Thanks for these tips,I'm going to look into this
     
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  11. kenmce

    kenmce High Voltage Member

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    You will still be able to hear sirens and things through the glass.
     
  12. MackD

    MackD New Member

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    You can get great deals on that stuff on car audio forums.
     
  13. douglasjre

    douglasjre Senior Member

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    I just put Killmat in the doors and trunk and trunk walls. I then installed Killmat under the wiper tray and under the plastic cap on top of the motor. We also installed closed cell foam behind front wheel liners. I'd say the car is about 35% quieter. It was worth it. My advice is to do it early in your ownership
     
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  14. Ronald Doles

    Ronald Doles Active Member

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    I decided to update the rear speakers in my 2015 V. When I had the rear door panels off I discovered that there is no soundproofing in the doors at all. This is an economy car that was built with little soundproofing.

    I would think that if you just did the doors and trunk area the reduction would be significant.
     
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  15. douglasjre

    douglasjre Senior Member

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    It is. I dropped the noise level 30% by putting kill mat in the doors and trunk. I knocked off another 10% by deadening the wiper tray. And another 10% putting closed cell foam behind the front wheel liners. Overall 50% decrease in noise. Do it early in the life of the car so you can enjoy it for a long time
     
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  16. douglasjre

    douglasjre Senior Member

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    Which one