They (whoever "they" may be) say that if the music is too loud, you are too old. I choose not to debate that long-standing issue, but will say that if the truck is too loud to hear the music, the truck is too loud. My recently acquired '68 Chevy C10 ("Buying a Project Truck," Feb. '10) is fun to drive, but the cab acoustics are less than ideal. With a small-block Bow Tie that cranks out an estimated 400 horsepower, it does have a distinct rumble. However, if you cannot enjoy the stereo or carry on a conversation with anyone else that may be in the truck with you, some sound abatement is in order. Another byproduct of the abundant horsepower is that it generates a fair amount of heat. Future plans to install a better exhaust system that is routed toward the rear of the truck (rather than exiting just in front of the rear tires) will help to remove some noise and heat. But, for now, some Dynamat sound deadening material and foil-faced thermal insulation will provide some immediate improvement to occupant comfort.
Dynamat Xtreme is designed to reduce noise, while Dynaliner is designed to both absorb unwanted noise and provide thermal insulation. An important disclaimer is that Dynamat Xtreme and Dynaliner are current Dynamat products. For use in my C10, I am using some earlier generation Dynamat products that are left over from a previous project. The newer products are used and installed the same way as what I am using. However, to get the absolutely latest info, contact QuietRide Solutions directly. QuietRide Solutions makes pre-cut, ready-to-install kits for every Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge trucks manufacture 1928 to present-day models. Beyond making your truck's sound system sound better, Dynamat products will also make your air conditioning/heater system work more effectively.
The first step is to remove the existing seat, by removing the four bolts that secure the stock bench seat to the floor. Your truck may be different, depending on your seats. While you can usually remove a bench seat by yourself, do yourself a favor and round up someone to help you lift it out of the truck. This will save your back and also minimize possible damage to the seat upholstery. With the seat out of the way, you should be able to remove the carpet and any existing padding fairly easily. Depending on your particular truck, you may need to remove door sill plates, floor shift escutcheons, or floor consoles. Use some precaution to verify that you do not inadvertently abrade or pull any wires loose.
Now that you have considerably more room in the cab, the bare floor should be visible. Now is a good time to check for rust or other damage to the floorboard or door sill areas. Any damage should be addressed now, as it is not going to cure itself. If the floor is in satisfactory condition, continue by using a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust, dirt, or other unwanted accumulations that have settled to the bottom of the truck's cab.
The fun can now begin. Dynamat sound deadening material is not required to cover the entire area, so don't feel the need to completely blanket the entire area. Merely covering a third to a half of the floor will typically be sufficient. Simply use a sharp utility knife or scissors (use your shop scissors, not your wife's sewing scissors) to cut the sound deadening material to size and shape that will easily fit in the flat portions of the floorpan. Make sure that the sheetmetal is clean where you intend to place the self-stick Dynamat. If you feel that cleaning is necessary, use some wax and grease remover to wipe the area clean. Remove the backing film and then set the sound deadening material in place. If necessary, use a small roller to roll out any air bubbles.
Begin by locating the seat...
Begin by locating the seat mounting bolts and remove them. Most seats will have four mounting bolts, whether it is a bucket seat or a bench. Bolt sizes may vary from make and model, but for my C10, a 1/2-inch wrench was required.
After removing the bolts,...
After removing the bolts, the seat can be removed. Don't forget to push the seatbelts through the seatback if you are dealing with a bench seat.
With the seat out of the way,...
With the seat out of the way, the existing carpet and/or rubber floormat will need to be removed. Simply fold it over a few times until it is small enough to pull out through the open door.
What lies beneath the carpet...
What lies beneath the carpet is anyone's guess, especially if the truck is new to you. In this truck, there was a quarter, a penny, and some dust and dirt. Surprisingly, the floorpan is in good condition. If there is any rust, now is the time to treat it.
After using a broom to loosen...
After using a broom to loosen any caked on dirt, use a vacuum cleaner to remove as much dirt and debris as possible. Anything that will collect moisture will eventually cause rust to develop and anything that is of any size (such as gravel or broken glass) will eventually telegraph its way through the insulation and carpet.
Dynamat doesn't have to cover...
Dynamat doesn't have to cover the entire area to work, so I cut the material into approximately equal width strips. A utility knife and a metal straightedge work great for these types of cuts, but my scissors were well within reach. The masking tape (also handy) seemed easier than finding something that would actually mark on the rubber-like material, in addition to making it easier to see in the photos.
A pair of sharp scissors cut...
A pair of sharp scissors cut the material quite readily.
Dynamat is self adhesive,...
Dynamat is self adhesive, but it is necessary to make sure that the area is clean for it to stick properly. Pour some wax and grease remover on a paper towel to wipe the area clean, and then use a clean paper towel to wipe it dry.