2006 Forester XT

**vihila** · 07-31-2006, 11:16 PM

Thanks sebberry! This weekend I didn't do too much. I have been working on my computer, which is turning out to be a pain in the A$$. I have to RMA the motherboard because it isn't holding the correct date and time. But it should be all sorted out when it comes time to install it. Saturday, I tore out the guts of the car and started dynamatting the floor. Here are the pics:

And now I am driving around in a shell of a car:

I think I am going to leave it like this until I finish the installation. It will be easier to lay all the cable and such. And also it will motivate me to finish the damn thing

**ppgt94** · 08-02-2006, 03:47 AM

Is that real dynamat or did you find some lesser expensive alternative? That brand stuff is expensive!

**vihila** · 08-04-2006, 06:25 PM

Originally Posted by ppgt94

Is that real dynamat or did you find some lesser expensive alternative? That brand stuff is expensive!

No, I used RAAMmat which is a lot cheaper. I made the decision based on the Sound Deadener Showdown which is very helpful.

**vihila** · 08-04-2006, 06:36 PM

The dynamat is coming along slowly. I hope to have the floor completely finished this weekend. I have updated the diagram on the front page with a new version. I moved the power inverter to the trunk of the car instead of the backseat, because the electrical hum it makes is annoying. The faceplate for plugging in AC accessories will still be located in the back seat, so that a playstation or Xbox may be placed under the seat, but the actual inverter will go in the trunk with the rest of the components. I also got a USB optical drive enclosure instead of firewire, so I changed that too. The firewire cable will still be installed so I can use it later on if I want to. Here is a small version of the new diagram:

**Kosti** · 08-05-2006, 02:50 AM

Mate this is fantastic work. How long did it take to rip out the seats and carpet? This is going to be one top (professional job)!

I may have to do the same - do you plan on sound dent'n the doors as well?

Keep the pix comming, what an inspiration dude!

**vihila** · 08-05-2006, 05:44 PM

Thanks Kosti! Yes, I definitely plan on doing the doors and rear hatch. I might even do the roof as well. I am just going crazy because I want it to be as quiet as possible. It took about 2 1/2 hours to remove the floor. I highly recommend getting a shop manual for your car if you're going to do this. It is absolutely necessary for taking it apart and putting it back together in the right order.

You don't need to do everything I am doing. You get the most benefit by doing the large panels that have lots of resonance. Take a look at the RAAMmat How-to for instructions.

The tools I have been using are:

Trim/panel removal tool (Panel Popper)
Socket wrench set (metric 8mm-16mm)
Screwdrivers (large and small)
Cordless screwdriver (helps a lot)
Utility knife
straight edge/ruler
Awl/Piercing tool
Needle nosed pliers

I think that I will end up using 3 rolls (187.5 sq. ft.) of RAAMmat and 8 yards (114 sq. ft.) of Ensolite and 3-4 cans of spray adhesive

**Kosti** · 08-06-2006, 03:33 AM

Thanks for the link.

Your car will be sound proof when your finished!

**vihila** · 08-14-2006, 10:57 AM

This weekend I finished dynamatting the floor and I also did the rear gate. It sounds soo much better when you shut the trunk. I also returned the replacement dash piece because it was the wrong one, and I think I can get by just modifying the original one anyway. I also ordered a "Gauge Pod Housing" so that I can have a dual screen display up front. My plan is to have the VGA go to the touchscreen in the dash, and the 2 composite videos run to another monitor in the Gauge Pod Housing. I will use the touchscreen for interface (MP3's etc) and the other monitor for DVD's, TV, and GPS. Here is a picture of the housing (not my car):

**vihila** · 08-15-2006, 12:18 AM

Well, here are some pictures of the latest Dynamat progress. I finished the floor, the rear gate, and I have started on the doors. I should be able to finish with the Dynamat this weekend, and then I can start with the bezel and the shelf in the cargo floor. After that, I should be ready to wire it all up.