I added sound proofing and it massively improves highway experience!

[graemebshaw]

I live in NYC and drive my 392 "Blubicon" three to four hours upstate most weekends. Over six months of ownership, I grew pretty tired of the noise levels during long drives and so recently installed two mods in an attempt to relieve my headache!

Before getting to my results, first I will tell you my set up. My 392 has the Sky OneTouch roof, sits on 35" KO's, and I have both the PedalCommander and Tazer. There are other mods as well, but they have less relevance to the sound levels. All sound levels were tested using an app on my iPhone placed on a BulletProof mount on the dash, while driving on I-87 between NYC and Albany.

First I installed the Hothead headliner and rear side window panels (very easy install btw) which has had a HUGE impact on overall wind noise level :

Before headliner:
Noise level in cabin @ 70 mph = ~79 dBA
Noise level in cabin @ 80 mph = ~87 dBA

After headliner:
Noise level in cabin @ 70 mph = 73-75 dBA
Noise level in cabin @ 80 mph = 76-79 dBA

The main impact of the headliner was to reduce the volume of noise. After this, I had The Custom Shop here in NYC install Dynamat sound deadener everywhere on the floors and in the doors. Of course, this is a much pricier install than the headliner, but I rationalized it that it would also have thermal insulation benefits. The results are as follows:

After Dynamat:
Noise level in cabin @ 70 mph = ~70 dBA
Noise level in cabin @ 80 mph = 73 - 75 dBA

The impact here is less about sound volume than sound quality and deadening. It's like an anechoic chamber in the cabin now, with no ringing, booming, or vibration noise. The sound quality of the stereo seems to be massively improved, and its much easier to hear spoken audio (podcasts). The doors "clunk" closed, like the Mercedes we recently sold. A recent four hour drive was SO much more pleasant and significantly less exhausting. The engine noise and exhaust note is still wonderful, and actually clearer without the distraction of wind and road noise. Overall the Blubicon cabin now sounds like I am in a premium SUV, even at highway speeds. I am very happy and would definitely recommend to anyone looking to improve the highway experience.

 

[computertom]

I live in NYC and drive my 392 "Blubicon" three to four hours upstate most weekends. Over six months of ownership, I grew pretty tired of the noise levels during long drives and so recently installed two mods in an attempt to relieve my headache!

Before getting to my results, first I will tell you my set up. My 392 has the Sky OneTouch roof, sits on 35" KO's, and I have both the PedalCommander and Tazer. There are other mods as well, but they have less relevance to the sound levels. All sound levels were tested using an app on my iPhone placed on a BulletProof mount on the dash, while driving on I-87 between NYC and Albany.

First I installed the Hothead headliner and rear side window panels (very easy install btw) which has had a HUGE impact on overall wind noise level :

Before headliner:
Noise level in cabin @ 70 mph = ~79 dBA
Noise level in cabin @ 80 mph = ~87 dBA

After headliner:
Noise level in cabin @ 70 mph = 73-75 dBA
Noise level in cabin @ 80 mph = 76-79 dBA

The main impact of the headliner was to reduce the volume of noise. After this, I had The Custom Shop here in NYC install Dynamat sound deadener everywhere on the floors and in the doors. Of course, this is a much pricier install than the headliner, but I rationalized it that it would also have thermal insulation benefits. The results are as follows:

After Dynamat:
Noise level in cabin @ 70 mph = ~70 dBA
Noise level in cabin @ 80 mph = 73 - 75 dBA

The impact here is less about sound volume than sound quality and deadening. It's like an anechoic chamber in the cabin now, with no ringing, booming, or vibration noise. The sound quality of the stereo seems to be massively improved, and its much easier to hear spoken audio (podcasts). The doors "clunk" closed, like the Mercedes we recently sold. A recent four hour drive was SO much more pleasant and significantly less exhausting. The engine noise and exhaust note is still wonderful, and actually clearer without the distraction of wind and road noise. Overall the Blubicon cabin now sounds like I am in a premium SUV, even at highway speeds. I am very happy and would definitely recommend to anyone looking to improve the highway experience.

Those are some very, very significant improvements! Wow. Don’t have my 392 yet (21 weeks and counting), but do value quality of annoying noise and can see following this exact path. Thanks for the post and data.

 

[drummr25]

So what panels did you actually use due to your skytop? What happens when you open your skytop- does it interfere with a panel?

 

[graemebshaw]

So what panels did you actually use due to your skytop? What happens when you open your skytop- does it interfere with a panel?

Hothead headliners has a product for the One Touch that velcros onto the lateral metal supports that go across the roof concertina (sp?). It opens and closes perfectly and cannot be seen from outside at all. And it is almost totally unnoticeable from the inside also.

 

[drummr25]

Hothead headliners has a product for the One Touch that velcros onto the lateral metal supports that go across the roof concertina (sp?). It opens and closes perfectly and cannot be seen from outside at all. And it is almost totally unnoticeable from the inside also.

Very cool- thanks! I'll def check them out since I have to be on the highway more than I'd like here in the DC/VA/MD area.

 

[NewJeepGuy]

I plan on the hothead liners, but had decided against the rear window option. Would you mind taking pics, inside and out, of how they look?

 

[graemebshaw]

I plan on the hothead liners, but had decided against the rear window option. Would you mind taking pics, inside and out, of how they look?

Sure. I will take pics later today. They do look nice, but I didn't do a great job adhering the glue on one side, so I occasionally have to push it back into place. Not sure they do anything for sound-proofing though. If anything, it is marginal.

 

[Colorado392]

Thanks for posting this information here. I've been thinking about this for some time since this is my daily driver.

I'll add that this is my daily driver by choice because I love my 392 so much. I did not intend for it to become my daily driver!

 

[Fast-n-Furious]

Great result! I didn't opt for the Mopar headliner at order time on purpose. I figured I'll have more options with aftermarket headliners and the hothead version is actually cheaper too.

 

[graemebshaw]

Sure. I will take pics later today. They do look nice, but I didn't do a great job adhering the glue on one side, so I occasionally have to push it back into place. Not sure they do anything for sound-proofing though. If anything, it is marginal.

Here are the promised pics of the installed rear window panels (it's just the black felt bit around the perimeter of the window) and the headliner.

 

[NewJeepGuy]

Thanks. Definitely sticking to not getting the back window option.

 

[Turboencabulator]

First I installed the Hothead headliner and rear side window panels (very easy install btw) which has had a HUGE impact on overall wind noise level... I am very happy and would definitely recommend to anyone looking to improve the highway experience.

It's good to know that the Hothead headliner makes such a big difference.
Today I was taking apart my two front doors to fish out a wire that activates the proximity locks (they got "accidentally" pushed in during PPF) so I took some photos of the inside of the door. There is some sound deadening material glued to the outer door panel, but you could always add a lot more.
But I'll start with the HotHead headliner as you suggested, thanks!

 

[LTZ470]

Dynamat 11905 Hoodliner 32" x 54" x 3/4" Thick Self-Adhesive Sound Deadener https://a.co/d/3xfOW5j

 

[scarab]

It's good to know that the Hothead headliner makes such a big difference.
Today I was taking apart my two front doors to fish out a wire that activates the proximity locks (they got "accidentally" pushed in during PPF) so I took some photos of the inside of the door. There is some sound deadening material glued to the outer door panel, but you could always add a lot more.
But I'll start with the HotHead headliner as you suggested, thanks!
View attachment 4129
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Before adding sound deadening to your doors make sure you're OK with some extra weight. Can be a factor if you wanna go doorless from time to time

 

[Tank2112]

I agree 100% with the benefit of adding sound deadener to a vehicle.
Made such a difference in my Ram 3500. Both for road noise and stereo quality.
Assuming your installer removed all seats and center console?
If you don't mind asking, what did it cost to have sound deadener installed... labor & material?
I plan on having mine done soon.

 

[Tank2112]

Dynamat 11905 Hoodliner 32" x 54" x 3/4" Thick Self-Adhesive Sound Deadener https://a.co/d/3xfOW5j

That's designed more for a hood, heat reduction. Sound deadener is thinner with gummy butyl and an aluminum layer. Dynomat Extreme is a good product. Or a set up is Focal Bam XXL, a product high-end stereo installers use.

 

[scarab]

That's designed more for a hood, heat reduction. Sound deadener is thinner with gummy butyl and an aluminum layer. Dynomat Extreme is a good product. Or a set up is Focal Bam XXL, a product high-end stereo installers use.

I've installed Dymanat hood deadener in my XJ back in the day and it helped with the noise as well
Not sure if a regular butyl based mat is suitable or even recommended to be used on the hood due to temperature, weight and fire hazard.

 

[Tank2112]

I've installed Dymanat hood deadener in my XJ back in the day and it helped with the noise as well
Not sure if a regular butyl based mat is suitable or even recommended to be used on the hood due to temperature, weight and fire hazard.

You are correct, I was talking about sound treating interior.

 

[caraholic]

May be adding this to my list but it does seem like a project to do it properly

 

[Viking Jeeper]

You absolutely do not have to cover every square inch or be especially neat when installing sound deadener under carpet. I simply put strips on the inside of my LJ doors and this pic shows what I did to the tub. Unbelievable difference.