Although we are a long way off, I've been thinking about the finishings in our wagon. I happen to be telling someone that I wasn't putting in carpet, that I wasplanning to put in the original black mat in the car. Anyway it was suggested that I should think about putting a product on the floor like Rhino Bed Liner http://liners.rhinolinings.com/en/p/products on the floor before we put the mat in. It kinda sounds like a good idea but is it???
I wanted to do exactly the same thing on my car. I wanted it added to the underside aft of the fuel tank, as well as inside the spare tire well. At the time (about 5 years ago) all 3 shops in town could not do it. They use/d a wand about 3.5' long and they said they simply did not feel comfortable trying to maneuver it inside, and they said they did not have the lift to do the underside. Might not face that today. If not, I'd say try it. One thing I'd mentioned is that if weight is a concern, the stuff tends to be heavy. I've used Jeg's own self-adhesive sound deadening product and am happy as heck with it. It is not asphalt/petroleum based and so there is no stink. Their prices are great as well, and they have several different sizes of packs. http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS+Performance+Products/555/70510/10002/-1
And this is what I did to the spare tire well http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5710
I can't say if todays 2014 Rhino is the same chemical concoction of previous years, but I will say from what I have seen it is a strong liner IF the surface to the application was put on a properly, prepared/cleaned surface. I have seen older jobs done in truck beds that look as good as the day they were done. I have seen others that start pealing where the finish ends.... cleaning/prep not done correct..??? I also have smelled the goop although still rock hard 'gassing out" so to say in some older truck boxes that have canopies on them during hot summer months, your almost over come by fumes although the Rhino should have 'gassed out' a very long time ago....again, prep, cleaning, etc. Others are more than welcome to chime in fannie, but my 2-bits of nothing.... I'd never put it inside my cars floors
I would not suggest spraying Rhino Liner on the interior. I also think you should put carpet in. If Fannie is to be a 'nice' vehicle, you should want her to be nicely finished and comfortable. Just throwing a floor mat gives and unfinished look, and will also hurt resale prospects. I would also suggest putting down some Dymat (or similar product) for extra insulation and sound absorbtion. Here's how it looks installed:
I agree with KK about going with carpet. Have you ever ridden in a car that had the rubber mat instead of carpet?
The Rhino type coatings can be a good choice. They look good and can hide minor imperfections. I used a product called Raptor which is a spray on liner that was tintable with the gray body color on my 56 Chevy ElCamino conversion. It has held up well since I do use the bed. I also have a removable mat on the bed floor which keeps things from sliding or having possible dents from heavier objects. I am planning a similar method to dress up the back cargo area of my current 66 Malibu 2dr Nomad Wagon project. My front and rear seating areas will have floor insulation and carpet. Have not decided yet if I will have a removable rubber or carpet mat in the rear cargo area.
My Fairlane has rubber floor covering. It is great for cleaning up after spills, dirt, etc., but not as nice looking as carpet, in my opinion. As for comfort, unless you're going barefoot you'd never know. You can insulate under the rubber flooring so the heat/road noise wouldn't be an issue whichever way you go. I am contemplating putting in carpeting because the rubber flooring is worn (original equipment) and I want to spiff up the interior. I've thought about just putting the carpet directly over the rubber flooring, using it as insulation/sound deadening. The cargo area on my wagon has a metal covering. I'm leaving it as-is. I throw a Mexican blanket on it and that's it.
Dynamat or something similar is definitely the way to go under what ever you choose. Much quieter and much better insulation. Carpet is also quieter than rubber. Having had both, I really don't think there is much to choose when it comes to durability. The rubber does wear. There may also be an issue of availability. Finding the right rubber could be a real challenge, where the carpet is a no-brainer. You may find that the rubber, for all it was cheaper when Fannie was new, is more money now. Personally, I'd go for carpet. As for sprays, anything that is meant for outdoors should not be used in an enclosed space. As Tedy noted, the off gassing can be very bad, and very bad for you. Look for something that is meant for in-car use.
Thanks everyone for your input. I was wondering about alot of same concerns that were raised, off gases, weight, etc. So thanks for confriming my thoughts. I won't be putting box liner inside Fannie. As for carpet vs rubber matt, I'm still undecided. Rubber mat is what was original which is why I wanted to put it back, so we shall see. Thanks again guys.
There have been other threads about those stick on insulation products. Those mentioned and others in the car and truck magazine are overpriced. If you go that route, which you should, go to your large Big Box store like Lowes, Home Depot or whatever is in your area and look for those foil backed rolls of insulation. Same thing only cheaper. When you get ready to do this use the SEARCH and read the threads about this. On my 55 Chevy wagon I used roll roofing felt like you put down before roofing shingles. They didn't have the foil products then. Wagon seems quiet and I have both home carpet padding and carpet over that, front and rear. Did this on many cars.
Ive got no prob with the 'matt'...if thats what it came with and you like it...then fill yur boots Fannie as for the Dynamat...I think a lot of all this sound deadning stuff is more Hype than common sense (and I sell the stuff) People will come in and buy 'sound deadner'....then turn around and buy some silly noisy mufflers....can you say oxymoron ? Seems people want everyone to hear the car...but they dont want too Im not saying the product isnt good...im just saying ...its an avoidable extra cost
