XJ Floor Plans

[GlueNTape]

I put together a plan for the flooring in my XJ. I enjoy a good ride and as quiet as it can be. Especially after a long day wheeling/camping I want it to be manageable.
I have been driving around carpet-less that last week. Its noisy, not totally unbearable, but a lot noisier than I would like. I don't care to hear every little creak and pebble that bounces off the underside. Not to mention its been Warm in the cab.. and cold when first getting going in the morning.

So here is the Plan for next week. I am going to start after the run this Saturday.

I have a few rust spots, of course, wire wheel and paint

The first layer will be Dynamat Xtreme through out the cab.
http://www.dynamat.com/technical_specs_dynamat_xtreme.html

Then I am going to top that with Dynaliner 1/2"
http://www.dynamat.com/technical_specs_dynaliner.html

Once those layers are in place, I got a replacement vinyl floor to install.

I have all the stuff.. now its just a matter of digging in next week. I am also trying to take audio samples and measurements of noise. It will be interesting to see how it turns out.

[goblazers_6]

Sounds spendy.

[FearNoFish]

No, it sounds interesting and spendy! Keep us up to date.

FNF

[2xtreme]

I suspect we are in the same boat as far as expectations for sound, temp, etc.

I wheeled just a few times without carpet and it was rediculously loud and cold/hot.

I ened up useing the "do it yourself" bedliner from the local parts store (sorry I can't remember the name off the top of my head) and then put the carpet with pad back in. I could not be happier.

To be honest, I really don't understand why people remove the carpet in a full bodied rig? It isn't too much to vacume out at the end of a trip and it makes a great deal of diference to the sound/temp/etc in the cab.

My personal experience is that paint, can't make anywhere close to the same difference as a material mat of some sort. It can "dampen" a small noise frequency but not as large of a frequency as a mat can.

1 other thought. It takes a lot longer for these things to dry than I would have thought, it stunk for the first several months. If you are going to use multiple layers you might want to make sure the 1st had totally dried before installing the second?

Just a few thoughts and comments.
Michael

[GlueNTape]

Sounds spendy.

Not so much. I think I may have purchased too much stuff, but I will know once I lay it all down and get it in place. If I can achieve the result I am going for, it will be well worth it. The stuff can be expensive, I looked around the web and found some good prices through Amazon.




I suspect we are in the same boat as far as expectations for sound, temp, etc.

I wheeled just a few times without carpet and it was rediculously loud and cold/hot.

I ened up useing the "do it yourself" bedliner from the local parts store (sorry I can't remember the name off the top of my head) and then put the carpet with pad back in. I could not be happier.

To be honest, I really don't understand why people remove the carpet in a full bodied rig? It isn't too much to vacume out at the end of a trip and it makes a great deal of diference to the sound/temp/etc in the cab.

My personal experience is that paint, can't make anywhere close to the same difference as a material mat of some sort. It can "dampen" a small noise frequency but not as large of a frequency as a mat can.

1 other thought. It takes a lot longer for these things to dry than I would have thought, it stunk for the first several months. If you are going to use multiple layers you might want to make sure the 1st had totally dried before installing the second?

Just a few thoughts and comments.
Michael

I pulled the Carpet to have a Cage installed. Thanks to your great writeup and pics on the Cages you and Hans did, I was able to use those as an example. With the cage in place, I wanted to install a more durable flooring. With the carpet.. and my kids.. they are always spilling things.. especially on the trail..

I was really surprised at how much insulation was under the carpet. Way more than I thought.

The DynaMat and DynaLiner are a peal and stick application. The DynaMat Xtreme, has a thin layer of aluminum and material for thermal and sound blocking. Then the DynaLiner is another layer of sound and Thermal insulation. I went with the 1/2" after seeing the amount of padding under the carpet. Everything I have read and all the reviews have been positive.
The Vinyl floor, is a replacement from Accessory Central.. something like that. Its a molded floor for a 97+ XJ.

I will do a step by step write up and summary. I have already taken some Sample audio readings and recordings without the carpet. In hindsight I wish I had done it with the carpet installed, just to have that as a reference point also. Maybe, I will bring the dB meter out on the trail, and get some refernces from other peoples rigs with carpeting. I am sure it must vary from early to late models.

I am excited. I hope it delivers a great difference. I may even Dynamat the doors just for some extra.

[2xtreme]

I think you will be happy with the results.
I look forward to seeing the cage :shocked:

Michael

[JeeperMatt]

A tip to save some money for the doors, hatches, hell even the headliner - tons of cheap gallon zipper-locking bags and some pillow stuffing from Home Depot or similar home improvement store. Stuff baggies with stuffing, stuff into desired area to be insulated. I ended up using this method on my Scion xB when I had it due to the subs rattling the entire thing. Substantially cheaper than 'matting everything, and lighter as well (considering the 108 flywheel hp, weight was an issue!).

Also, Elemental Designs makes a pretty legit liquid sound deadener - used it on my last XJ with great success, especially in tight or contoured areas, as well as areas with multiple joints and seams.

[Mighty.Mighty_XJ]

This is an interesting thread since my interior is also ripped apart and I am trying to redo it "better than factory".

I'm replacing the original carpet with some factory carpet from a "clunker XJ" interior. My choice for padding was Volara foam in 3/8 thickness. I wanted something that would not absorb water if I should submerge the interior again. But the foam arrived yesterday and atho it is a closed cell foam, it isn't very dense. It is extremely light and not acoustically sound. So I'm looking for something to supplement it.

Def. gonna look into the Dynaliner. Dynamat is out ... too tarry. I do have some in my 1/4 panel speaker enclosure.

OP, I can't see your pics since I am at work, but in case you haven't yet, can you post pics of your vinyl flooring (before installation). And I'd be interested in later knowing your impressions on the fit.

[hards91xj]

Whatever you use on your floors check how hot your floors get in the front and rear passenger areas above the cat and muffler..I have melted rubber mats.

[Mighty.Mighty_XJ]

I was told that the Neoprene & Volara will withstand the heat. But I'm still looking for something else to pad the areas that are reinforced on the factory stuff - which I have kept as a template.

[GlueNTape]

I have been reading write-ups and experiences for a while now. I knew I was going to be taking the carpet out and wanted to change it. I know heat + sound reduction was something I wanted.

I came across this in a Dynamat Catalog -
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee207/duncanadventures/dyna.jpg

Layers always produce good results, similar to going up to the mountain for a person. The Dynamat Xtreme has a thin aluminum layer and the tarry stuff.. to me that represents a nice heat sink, which will spread the heat over the surface and help wick it away and dissipate it. Then adding the DynaLiner, I will have another 1/2" of heat and noise reduction. Hopefully it will work like a 2 stage cooling and sound blocking system. The first layer should block sound, and dissapate the heat, then the second layer will act as a larger barrier to keep the heat and sound below and not allow it to escape into the cab. I was originally planning on using the DynaMat but found the pre-shaped Vinyl floor.

I am going to dig into this Saturday. I am hoping to have it finished by Sunday, if everything goes well.

[Mighty.Mighty_XJ]

Any pics of the vinyl stuff?

[GlueNTape]

Any pics of the vinyl stuff?


I will post some this weekend. For storage, I have kept it in the box.

[GlueNTape]

Okay.. with all the darn rain, I finally got this finished. Which forum would be the best for a right up? Mod Tech or just reg.. OEM?

[TORX]

This thread or mod tech would be fine.

[Mighty.Mighty_XJ]

Hey I ended up using 1/2" Neoprene for padding, and used the volara in the trunk and to supplement the neoprene on the tranny tunnel. haven't driven the XJ yet, but I'm looking forward to seeing whether there is a difference in damping. Also, I opted to keep my original carpet. Turns out it was twice as heavy as the clunker carpet I had bought - yay for Limited insulation!

Where's those pics you promised?

[goblazers_6]

Pics?! I've been waiting a long time.

[Bronzewyrm]

Pics?! I've been waiting a long time.

seriously. and we all thaught dustin was a tease:laugh3:

[mojojojo]

Ya, really Dave.... WTF ?!?!

http://www.naxja.org/forum/images/icons/icon10.gif

[90xjsumner]

I used to work at foss car audio in tacoma, If someone is looking to do the same type of thing which I probly am ( thanks for the idea) they have there own mat that is the SAME as dynamat but its only 10 bucks a sheet rather than 25 bucks a sheet. plus the guy likes to wheel and deal so Im sure someone could get it for 8 bucks a sheet.

[GlueNTape]

Okay here is the summary. With the rain we had, It took me forever to get this done. Floor turned out good. It does what was expected. I was surprised at the sound levels. Without carpet, while driving on the road and highway the sound levels varied between 77 and 83 dB. This was with a directional meter held in the passenger seat and pointed at the floor. After the layers of Dyna-products and the Vinyl floor, the measurements dropped to 68~74 dB. Here is a link to info on Decibels (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decibel) They are not like measuring inches. They are logarithmic. Much like the way Earthquakes are measured.

Anyhoot on the the install pics..

I started with
36 sq feet of DynaMat and DynaLiner and a replacement vinyl floor from Auto Custom carpets.

I had a lot of DynaMat and Liner left. Enough to do my doors. Although, I did not do the cargo area, yet.

First thing I did was clean all the rust spots up off the floor. There we a couple small spots and a few spots where there was a little bubbling below the paint, after scraping off the bubble there was rust deposits. So, I wirewheeled and cleaned all the spots. Primered and Painted with a few coats of Rustoleam.

Then came the DynaMat install. Its some cool stuff. I was surprised at how easy it is to apply. I used the Dyna-roller that they sell. I didn't Make cut outs and templates like they suggest. I would roll out a big square and then fill around it with smaller pieces.

Started on the passenger side- cutting and rolling. You can see the rubber shield/insulation hanging down. I left it and just worked around and under it. It was easy enough to push around.
One of the hardest things was keeping the work area clean. My jeep is a dusty beast. Even with the carpet removed I kept a damp rag handy to constantly wipe up dust before I laid down the Dynamat.
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee207/duncanadventures/Jeep%20Floor/20100518_193643_138.jpg

A little more progress on the passenger side. I didn't cover the seat mount initially, but did go back and cover it.

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee207/duncanadventures/Jeep%20Floor/20100518_204613_140.jpg

Here is a look at the drivers side. It was pretty straight forward. Just cut and fit, repeat..

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee207/duncanadventures/Jeep%20Floor/20100519_180247_145.jpg

[GlueNTape]

Here is a look after the Dynamat was finished. I covered the whole Tranny Hump, and even stuck some under the rear seat.. just because. Shortly after taking this, I split that beer... I am happy to say, it all just pooled up on top of the Dynamat so I could wipe it up.

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee207/duncanadventures/Jeep%20Floor/20100520_174324_148.jpg

One of the things I did was go through and plug all the small areas. Like this corner piece, I cut and rolled it into place to fill the gap.

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee207/duncanadventures/Jeep%20Floor/20100519_181622_147.jpg

Here is a shot of the DynaLiner, I went with the 1/2 thick.

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee207/duncanadventures/Jeep%20Floor/20100524_171336_152.jpg

I found it easiest to Roll out the DynaLiner. It was not as easy to position as the DynaMat. The Sticky stuff on the bottom would stick instantly. Where as the Dynamat and the black goo, was easier to reposition. i

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee207/duncanadventures/Jeep%20Floor/20100524_180349_160.jpg

I applied the DynaLiner much the same way as the DynaMat. Here is a picture of the driver side.

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee207/duncanadventures/Jeep%20Floor/20100526_181708_163.jpg

As with the DynaMat, I got as far up the firewall as I could with the DynaLiner

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee207/duncanadventures/Jeep%20Floor/20100524_181855_161.jpg

With the DynaMat and the DynaLiner installed, It was time to get on to the Vinyl.

here is what it looks like when it shows up.
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee207/duncanadventures/Jeep%20Floor/20100524_181855_161.jpg

And when you open the box up, I didn't think it came with insulation. I couldn't find any mention of it anywhere. But, hey look at that it did.

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee207/duncanadventures/Jeep%20Floor/20100526_194304_165.jpg

Here is a pic of the insulation, it appears to be the same stuff, I pulled out with my old carpet. Its like a mat made from every piece of string you have every dropped. or found.

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee207/duncanadventures/Jeep%20Floor/20100526_194407_167.jpg

[GlueNTape]

Here is the Vinyl flooring right out of the box.. My first thought was.. custom molded what????

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee207/duncanadventures/Jeep%20Floor/20100526_194852_171.jpg

The Insulation came as one piece. I cut in into a top and bottom. There is a whole for the shift knob. At least, I think. The directions you download are a one document fits all, and was basically a go for it.. these are a couple things you might see document. Not much help at all.

This is the front piece after I cut them

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee207/duncanadventures/Jeep%20Floor/20100531_161029_174.jpg

and the back piece. Notice the flooring sitting in the sun. I was trying to soften it up a bit.

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee207/duncanadventures/Jeep%20Floor/20100531_161104_175.jpg

Here is the rear piece installed. Once cut if fit nice, and was easy to trim around the cage.
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee207/duncanadventures/Jeep%20Floor/20100531_170028_189.jpg

Here is the front piece installed from the drivers side perspective.

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee207/duncanadventures/Jeep%20Floor/20100531_170034_190.jpg


After the flooring sat in the sun for a while you can see the custom molding. you can make out the rear seat area.

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee207/duncanadventures/Jeep%20Floor/20100531_155912_173.jpg

Following the instructions, I folded the flooring in half, and placed it in the middle and unfolded it. Then began to cut out the center where the tranny hump is.

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee207/duncanadventures/Jeep%20Floor/20100531_183306_200.jpg

[mojojojo]

Holy shit Dave ! no wonder it took you 2 months to get us some pictures ! lol.


Better stay out of the deep mud http://www.naxja.org/forum/images/icons/icon10.gif

[GlueNTape]

The vinyl floor was easy to work with at first. Then it cooled off. Once cooled it was a huge stiff piece of vinyl that had a mind of its own.

Here is the passenger side. The good thing is that it is larger than the passenger are so you have room for error and trimming.

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee207/duncanadventures/Jeep%20Floor/20100531_184704_201.jpg

Here is the drivers side.

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee207/duncanadventures/Jeep%20Floor/20100531_180158_199.jpg

Here is a picture of the drivers side installed. The instructions eluded to the wrinkles and bulges would settle once the floor was heated a couple times.. I am still waiting for that. Maybe too much Dynamat..

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee207/duncanadventures/Jeep%20Floor/20100531_180158_199.jpg
Summary
Dynamat and DynaLiner - Good stuff

I would use less DynaLiner next time or maybe leave out the OE instulation. It made it hard to put the seats back in because of all the padding. Not the padding on the seat rail, or hump where it bolts to but the padding on the tranny hump made it hard to line up the holes.

I would pay closer attention to where the seat mounting points are. Getting through the vinyl was a pain.

I would have a lot of clamps and locking pliers in place to hold the Vinyl floor steady. It moved on me a couple times and that lead to a less than stellar install.

Luckily, I am not afraid of a little glue and tape, so it all worked out. I did read a lot of reviews where people used spray adhesive to hold the vinyl floor down. I can see why after doing it. It has moved some since I installed it. I am going to cut a few places and glue and trim to make it fit just how I want it.

all in all, I am happy I did it. Driving all around the cab stays much cooler. My stereo sounds better. It is quieter on the road. When my kids drop stuff. it cleans up WAAAAAAAAAYYYYY bettter than carpet.

If I was to do it again. I would take more time and remove the whole dash and shift stuff on the tranny hump.

[GlueNTape]

Holy shit Dave ! no wonder it took you 2 months to get us some pictures ! lol.


Better stay out of the deep mud http://www.naxja.org/forum/images/icons/icon10.gif

I am ready for it now. The Dyna products won't hold water, the just leaves the oe insulation, which I could pull out.

The floor whips clean easily.

[GlueNTape]

Really it only took a couple days. Doing it in my driveway with the Rainiest Oregon spring in history.. make it take a lot longer while I waited for sun.. or just a dry day.. or hour..

[NW-ZJ-SCOTT]

Really it only took a couple days. Doing it in my driveway with the Rainiest Oregon spring in history.. make it take a lot longer while I waited for sun.. or just a dry day.. or hour..
Huh? This month has been a pretty mild January IMO:dunno:

[NickThePyro]

I used to work at foss car audio in tacoma, If someone is looking to do the same type of thing which I probly am ( thanks for the idea) they have there own mat that is the SAME as dynamat but its only 10 bucks a sheet rather than 25 bucks a sheet. plus the guy likes to wheel and deal so Im sure someone could get it for 8 bucks a sheet.
Do you know what it is called? They have a store a mile from me and im gonna do the same thing.

[Mighty.Mighty_XJ]

I am ready for it now. The Dyna products won't hold water, the just leaves the oe insulation, which I could pull out.

The floor whips clean easily.
Good stuff. I went thru the same thing with mine so I know how much of a pain the job is. Just one thing: I question the wisdom of using that jute padding they sent. The stuff is nasty and if any water gets on it anywhere, it will remain wet & stinky forever.

One suggestion for if you ever have to do it again or anyone planning a similar job (I don't remember what happened to your original carpet). If at all possible, temporarily hang on to the OE carpet or padding if possible once you pull it out. You can use it as a template for the new stuff. I used my old padding as a template for the neoprene padding. Made it stupid simple to cut all the holes in the right place.

[goblazers_6]

Finally!

But seriously, nice job. I've also heard that it really helps to glue the vinyl pad.

[GlueNTape]

Good stuff. I went thru the same thing with mine so I know how much of a pain the job is. Just one thing: I question the wisdom of using that jute padding they sent. The stuff is nasty and if any water gets on it anywhere, it will remain wet & stinky forever.

One suggestion for if you ever have to do it again or anyone planning a similar job (I don't remember what happened to your original carpet). If at all possible, temporarily hang on to the OE carpet or padding if possible once you pull it out. You can use it as a template for the new stuff. I used my old padding as a template for the neoprene padding. Made it stupid simple to cut all the holes in the right place.

The OE carpet would have made it sooo much easier. Unfortunately my neighbor rented a huge dumbster.. and I got a chance to easily dispose of it before my cage was done. This kind of came as an after thought. Definitly would have made things a lot easier to have used it as a template.

I got my Dynamat off Amazon, it wasn't that much. the exteme pack was 120 bucks.