Engine racket at the helm

[WillieC]

Lowes, Home Despot, Ace. Easy to find.

[Sunsetrider]

yep, found it at Lowes, no problem. I got 2 sizes, 1/2 in. and 3/4 in. I'll use it primarily to stuff into gaps in the foam pieces. It's a bugger fitting the pre-sticky pieces because of the difficulty in sliding the into a better position once they touch the wall. But pretty much got it done.

I would also like to use the 1/2 in. one as a gasket on the base perimeter of the box. it would seal the base nicely, since the OEM woven gasket is shot. But what to use to attach it to the bottom edge? 4200? Gorilla glue? Silicone sealant? Ideas/suggestions anyone?

[Sunsetrider]

A further thought: to raise the box by a full 1/2 in. would cause other disruptive issues. So maybe cut a slit down the length (like stuffing some nice cheddar into a bbq hot dog?) with a bead of (say,) sealant along the groove (double-slit to make a square channel?), then the rod backer (what a name!) clings more securely and the box rise is diminshed. Hmmm?

[dkirsop]

Two options come to mind and neither of them use backer rod. Backer rod is made from low density foam and unlikely to stand up from the abrasion that comes with placement on the bottom of the box.

The first option is 1/2 round weather stripping and weather stripping adhesive which can be purchased from any automotive parts store. Choose a profile that best suits your purpose. For a new hatch seal I used 1/2"w x 1/4"h. The adhesive is gooey and you need to be careful or you will end up wearing more than you apply to the rubber. It is applied similar to contact cement. Coat both surfaces, wait until it doesn't adhere to brown paper then press the two surfaces together. Makes for a strong, long lasting bond.

Option 2 would be self adhesive gasket strip but I wouldn't rely on the "self" adhesive. In my experience it soon comes loose.

In both options the gasket is made from closed cell neoprene rubber with a smooth outer surface.

If you do go with backer rod then I recommend you use a high solids content contact cement - not the stuff that comes in a bottle with a brush. High solids is used in cabinetry for adhering melamine counter tops and is very strong. Lacquer thinner is the solvent used when it comes time to replace the seal.

[coolchange]

the problem with backer rod for sound dampening is it is very low density...good for blocking air and or thermal but not so much for sound..you need density...that is why the high quality sound stuff has a hard core and heavy insulation in the sandwich of foil. FYI our 27fc has the engine compart lined with sound panels and the deck above has 2x2 foam squares (comfort and some density) covered with rubber floor mat (density) for a fairly quiet/easy ride (under 2000rpm)

[Sunsetrider]

I did find that the backer rod was not going to work as a gasket for the base. The surface is wood strips 1.5 inches wide, and the existing gasket is sunk into a 1/4 in. channel in the middle (see pic below). I am going to take my time until I run across an appropriate weather stripping that will complement the existing without unduly increasing the height of the box. Meanwhile, the job is finished. The lateral gap showing has now been taped.

insulate.jpg

[dkirsop]

You are going to trim and place protective dome covers over those spikes sticking out, right?

Box.jpg

[DesertAlbin736]

FYI our 27fc has the engine compart lined with sound panels and the deck above has 2x2 foam squares (comfort and some density) covered with rubber floor mat (density) for a fairly quiet/easy ride (under 2000rpm)

Obviously A27 engine compartments are much different than A25's but speaking of rubber floor mats, when Joyce W, the new owner of Shatoosh (see Hira Reid's blog) came up to Phoenix & met us at Lake Pleasant a few weeks ago I noticed she had rubber (or dense foam?) floor mats covering her floor boards. Now that you mention it that seems like a good idea for sound dampening.

By the way coolchange, a bit off topic, but any chance of you heading up to BC this summer? We're planning doing Desolation Sound in July.