tar pits

[RandyMolson]

Here's how I spent my day-off. I have done my share of filthy uncomfortable jobs in my life, but removing 02 soundproofing rates in the top-10. I did the dry ice method and cleared out the main tub using all of 20lbs of ice. What was BMW thinking?! I said that over and over today.

Some day, I will tackle the rear seat tub and I will try the heat gun method to see if that is any less torturous.

[jerry]

the trick is to crush the dry ice to increase surface area. spread it out and cover it well with blanket/rags/towels etc to hold the cold in. you'll actually hear the stuff pop.

i was able to remove tar from 3 vehicles with my 20 lb supply.

don't use heat. try it again with the dry ice, it works.

[merlin]

the heat gun is WAY easier, it takes about 3hrs to do a whole car. there is also less resadue.

Sam schultz

LaValle's Import Restorations

Oak ridge, NC

[jlandreth]

I used a heat gun but it took me way longer than 3 hours to do both front and back

[merlin]

The hardest thing is to get the heat just right. you want it to be soft but not molton. I use a 3" wide hard scrape blade screw driver. You also have to remember I have helped build probably 20 race cars so I have it down by now.

Sam

[chrisb]

Just out of curiousity why do you guys remove the factory sound proofing? I'm getting ready to install new carpet and the soundproofing in my car looks to be in good shape, so I was just going to beef it up with some fat mat in spots.

Thanks,

Chris

[2002Targa]

a couple of reasons, if you're building a racecar, there's probably 10 pounds of the stuff in the car, it adds up.

Me, I removed mine chasing the cancer. Luckily it was only surface rust, but it does easliy creep underneath the tar.

Plus if you're doing a full resto, you're going to want to rip all that crap out, repaint and redo it.

[bobthomas]

This time of year I'd use the dry ice & have plenty of beer (or lemonade) on hand. In the winter,use the heat gun & have plenty of hot buttered rum or coffee on hand. Gotta be as comfortable as possible.

[brad_c-ville_VA]

the stuff is a moisture trap, especially if you have a car that the previous owner has hacked up a bit.

i've removed most of mine to get at rotten floorboards. sometimes along the frame rails you will get some rot under the soundproofing.

removing the tarboard also makes it easier to get at the factory paint drain holes that are notorious rust traps...ask me how i know! weld those puppies closed!

if you have a good, rust free cali or AZ car, you might not have to worry about it so much. my project car is an east coast car and despite having strong and relatively rust-free rockers, shock towers and body the floorboards needed some work.