Deadening Car for Beginner

[DanOpi 10+ year member]

So i'm new into car audio and figured out my plan from here on out! I have new speakers and a new head unit. My next two plans are to deaden whatever needs to be and then also buy an amp for the speakers. I don't need anything special, i'm on a low budget since i'm still in high school and don't have a job. Not going to competitions or anything like that. But i was reading through lots of the forums last night about deadening and i saw several brands mentioned. A few i heard most about were Second Skin, Sound Deadener Showdown, eDead Sound Deadening, and AudioWrap. It seems like Sound Deadener Showdown gives the most info and would have the most support if i need it. What i want to accomplish with deadening is firstly taking away vibration then if possible and if it doesn't cost too much more i'd like to try to take away outside noise. Driving, Wind, Engine, Etc. If it won't make a huge difference by taking away outside noise and will just cost more i'd rather not do it since my budget is tight. So my main question is which sound deadener would be the best value for a low budget? Also what all should i deaden? I have a 1993 Honda Civic if that will help any. Only 2 doors, no sun roof or anything. If you need any more information on my situation to answer the question, ask it and i'll answer it to my best! Thanks for the help in advance!

~DanOpi

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[Bumpin' Goalie 10+ year member]

Deadening can be an adventure. I like Sound Deadener Showdown's site due to the excess of information. Don, the owner, is easily reachable via email and can be helpful. The prices are competitive.

I'd read up on that site and on the forums and formulate some exact questions. For just 2 doors in a Civic, I'd estimate 4 sq.ft. would accomplish the 25%+ coverage rule on the outer skin, inner skin, for both doors. Adding Mass Loaded Vinyl could be a next step to diminish outside noises, and it's pretty easy to work with.

Just my quick .02.

 

[lionfamlee Premium Member]

To the above, good words.

It can be challenging for a beginner, but is definately something you can do with a little research. Remember, that with most things in car audio you get what you pay for. So get some quality sound dampener and apply it correctly and have patience. You can not go wrong with the types you named.

 

[dragonrage 10+ year member]

I recommend RAAMMat BXT II for your CLD ("mat" or sometimes called by the first well-known brand "Dynamat") - also a fan of Second Skin Damplifier, but I don't believe it to be much, if any better than BXT II. And it's more expensive by a lot.

In addition, I recommend a liquid/gel/spray coating like Cascade VB-1S Pro (from Parts Express) or Second Skin Sludge for where the mat is inconvenient to use.

If you want to reduce road noise in your car, I recommend Second Skin Luxury Liner. This does not replace CLD and CLD does not replace this.

If you need some closed cell foam to stuff between your rear deck sheet metal and the cardboard/plastic/fiberglass cover, I recommend RAAMAudio Ensolite.