My Name is Rob Grew up in The Hub.....if ur not from here that's Boston love this forum was hoping for somw help starting my build.
I have a 2004 GMC Savana 3500 extended van with 6.0L . The type you see made in to dual rear wheel box trucks etc.The idea was to use it for part time work and use the bed im building as a tool box. I just started the build I live in New England so spring just sprung and I'm eager to get to it. I got my hands on 1 3/8" thick closed cell foam typically used for Gym flooring but has an R-value of I believe approx R-9, more than I would get from board or fiberglass insulation and it fits between wall braces perfectly depth wise.
1st) I have researched the foam Approx $5 SF ouch (got enuf for 2 vans free from ymca ) and it seems perfect for sound and weatherization. it's anti- microbial/bacterial closed cell with a thin layer of what looks like a scotch brite pad. I will post pics but am wondering scotch brite side against wall or foam?? or does it matter?
2nd) a couple cases of flex seal ummm fell off a truck in front of me I couldn't catch up to return em so I plan to spray the entire inside ( Walls n Ceiling at least for dampening purposes) with approx. an 1/8 to 1/4" I have done 2 panels and it seems to work well. Does anyone see problems arising from that? I think 24 cans will be plenty to provide a nice coat for dampening/deadening purposes.
3) I was considering spray glueing mylar to the walls and ceiling to reflect the sun beating on the van and cooking the wife and I. AC I would like to avoid as it's a gas pig already. Should I do this Before adding the foam right to flex seal? before flex seal right to body? or should I glue it to the inside of the 1/4" walls I will be putting in?
4) I also have 1/4" flooring made of 3/8" thick MLV for floor from firewall to back. so I think I have a decent handle on reducing outside noise. Does anyone have any good ideas for reducing sound around firewall and engine cover? I will post more pics this afternoon but wanted to show the foam wondering if anyone else has used it before??
5) I have also read a lot of conflicting things on vapor barrier or not????. thinking unnecessary because of ant-bacterial properties of foam but i'm not sure?? Is the mylar a good idea?? for the cost which would prob be under $50 I would think yes but am stuck on where it should go and should I have 2 coats reflective side out against body for summer and reflective side facing in on interior walls for winter or will it matter??
50 degrees today so will be working on it and add more pics later but opinions on the flex seal and Mylar would be awesome!
Please feel free to offer any comments or ideas. would love to be done in time for some camping with it by end of summer. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Rob
also I will most likely have enough left over foam foe a 2nd van if anyone is interested we can work something out for shipping and will gladly donate it to someone on a tight budget like myself. I know the foam is not ideal compared to spraying the entire thing with lizard skin or something similar but cant justify buying probably 5-7 gallons to do it properly so I'm gonna take a shot with it and keep updating to show results of sound with and without. thanks again for any opinions or help you can add Rob StPaddy
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