Frame channels are filled

Astron_Boy · Post by **Astron_Boy** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 7:17 pm

Running new speaker cable through the doors and under the carpet on the passenger side.
I come across the 4 holes that are under the doors FTO scuff pad.
I note however that the channels are filled with that self expanding foam.

I pull back the carpet to discover that obviously there was a hole in the channel leading into the cabin, that was not plugged up.

Do these cars as standard come with these foam filled channels?
Or has this been done by it's overseas owner for chassis stiffening?

Post by **Bennoz** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 7:51 pm

More like for noise reduction I'd say..

Post by **I8A4RE** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 7:52 pm

Bennoz wrote:More like for noise reduction I'd say..

yep benny is on the money

Astron_Boy · Post by **Astron_Boy** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 7:59 pm

hmm, not doing a good job

mr-charisma · Post by **mr-charisma** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 8:57 pm

MAD-FTO wrote:hmm, not doing a good job

+ 1 .. when doing the door sills you're supposed to run tubes through the cavity before you spray the foam in for proper drainage .. not to mention some sort of conduit would be handy for if you ever need to run cables through or so..

I've looked into it & for sound deadening you'd be better off stuffing the cavities with rags / off cut foam like I've done.. at least you can remove them later on .. some of the foam sets hard & can't be removed.

The main benefit of the foam is in the rear panels when you have subs, as it pulls & pushes on the panels at the same time so they don't rattle..

but .. for that.. If you don't want it poking out like that, just cut it out with a hammer & chisel, or use a grinder if it is too difficult..

Astron_Boy · Post by **Astron_Boy** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 9:08 pm

Well, I've seen that technique before of pouring in the heat expanding foam straight into the channels to stiffen the chassis abit, give it a bit more rigidness.
I don't like the stuff, and certainly not where it is.
In late model VW bugs the rear top end channels were filled with this, and common issue is that the channels rust out as the foam holds moisture.
Not like I can readily get to inside the channels, there boxed.
Not happy