How do I Soundproof a PT Cruiser?

Soundproofing your PT Cruiser can be music to your ears,

Soundproofing your PT Cruiser will result in a quieter cabin, which can reduce driver fatigue and improve the sound quality from your sound system. The job typically entails removing interior body panels and carpeting, and applying special sound dampening sheets and foam to the interior metal parts of the cabin. You can also reduce cabin sound by choosing quieter tires. Inexpensive or worn tires will generate substantially more road noise compared to after-market tires specifically designed to provide a quiet ride.

Things You'll Need

• Set of hand tools including wrenches and socket set
• Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
• Soft prying tool
• Chrysler door panel removal tool
• Soundproofing kit or vinyl/Nitrile soundproofing sheeting
• Can of black rubberized undercoating

Instructions

1. Park your PT Cruiser on level ground. Open the hood and disconnect the negative terminal on the battery.

2. Use a Chrysler door panel removal tool to pop the tension clips from the door panels, being careful to not damage or crack the panels. Slide the tool's fork behind the panel, centered on the clip, and pull it to pop the panel out.

3. Remove the screws securing the door armrest and door latch, using a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the door panel a few inches away from the door. Reach behind the panel and unclip the electrical door switch connection, then set the panel aside. Since the PT Cruiser is a wagon, it does not have a traditional trunk. However, you can soundproof the rear hatch in the same manner as the door panels.

4. Apply sound deadening sheet to the interior side of the metal door and the opposite side of the plastic door panel. Many companies sell pre-cut kits that will simplify application. You can also buy sheets and cut them yourself. Apply additional material around the speaker mounting hole in the door and panel to cut down on bass vibration from the sound system.

5. Use a can of rubberized undercoating to line your front and rear fender liners. The fender liners are black plastic inserts that constitute the top of the wheel wells. These are held in place with a few clips that can be popped out with a flathead screwdriver. Slide the fender liner out, then coat. Give it a good hour or two to dry before re-installation.

6. Evaluate your tires. If your PT Cruiser is on the factory tires, or if your tires have worn down, they will generate road noise. Many tire manufacturers make tires specifically designed to reduce road noise.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider covering the floor pan with soundproofing. This step is labor intensive, but coating the floor pan will provide significant sound deadening. The job requires you to remove the seats, center console and the interior carpeting. You might want to hire a local automobile customization professional for this service.

References

• SoundproofCow: Automobile Soundproofing
• MyTurboDiesel: Adding Soundproofing to Your Car
• Mitsubishi-FTO: Soundproofing