Roof sound deadening project

Sound proof my car roof over the weekend.

However, it took me several months to brave myself to start this project. I have tried searching for instruction on how to dismantle the roof covering and to my disbelief, I couldn’t find any information. With no experience and never seen it done before, it gave me more uneasiness to take off the thin layer of sheet covering with zero prospect of reinstalling it back.

However, being a member of TOCM, Malaysia unofficial Toyota Avanza Owners Club, it have helped me to gain confidence as I have learnt many valuable tips and completed various DIY project. RDS was one of the first project that I completed and it was the project that gave me the insight to how to start this dismantling process.

Starting by carefully and slowly sliding off the RDS (as it might rip off the fragile plastic covering), it exposes various clip-on plastic board that covers the A & B pillars. The coverings comes off easily by plying them off with bare hands, just be careful not to break any of the clips! Then the sun shades, passenger support holder, rear view mirror, internal lighting etc. are easy to take off by simply unscrewing their bolt with a Philip screw driver (the only tool you will need in this project). Finally, with everything unlock, just unhook the plastic sheeting that clings to the side of the roof. Don’t worry, even though this simple step of pulling the sheet off the side can be unnerving, the reward at the end when you see the final part expose is speechless.

Shockingly, Avanza’s inner roof is bare with nearly no insulator, which explains the noisy tin can orchestra sound when it rain- I can’t even hear myself think! And with virtually no sound proof material inside the roof lining, except for a few small pieces of recycle looking cloth form that are flimsily glued to ceiling, it took me no time to expose the bare metal by tearing the foam off and clean up the sticky residue.

Then in goes the Dynamat Extreme :)

Dynamat was chosen as I have used it on various part of my car and as a proven product, it should withstand the tropical climate as my car often get exposed to the sunlight heat. Looking at the specification, with working temperature up to 70c, it should not melt (finger crossed)

To reinstall, the most difficult part will be hooking back the plastic sheet. They need to be pull and tug into their original position, starting from one edge, slowing work your way to the other end. It can be daunting but not to worry as it will clip into place if you apply enough tugging pressure and I did it single handedly. For the rest of the accessories parts, just follow the step by step instruction backward.

As a conclusion, this is one of the most rewarding DIY project that I have done, rap test it and you will know what I meant. The car felt solid and traffic / wind noise was reduced significantly. I have not tested it in the rain as it haven’t pour this week but I am sure it will be 100% better than stock condition including the new facelift model.

********

Duration Time taken to complete this project :3+ hours. Dynamat used : 3 pieces if used sparingly. 4 1/2 piece will be ideal. Good luck and mail me should you need any help.