Tar Paper under Carpet in Rear Seats?

[KerryM]

I am starting to remove the carpet in my 78 SC Targa. I noticed when I removed the rear seat cushions that there is a sort of heavy tar paper between the carpet and the metal that stretches at least across the seats, over the hump, and down towards the floor pan.

I have not seen this in any of the carpet install threads. Is this normal and should it be saved, discarded, or replaced?

Thanks!!

[Jonny042]

That's the factory sound deadening pad. It is one piece and designed that way. Best not to disturb it unless you have business doing so. It's heavy but does a great job of islolating the cabin from unwanted noise. EDIT - There's a second one that goes up behind the rear seat backs and covers the parcel shelf/rear deck.

[KerryM]

Thank you for your quick response!

[David Inc.]

Originally Posted by Jonny042

That's the factory sound deadening pad. It is one piece and designed that way. Best not to disturb it unless you have business doing so. It's heavy but does a great job of islolating the cabin from unwanted noise. EDIT - There's a second one that goes up behind the rear seat backs and covers the parcel shelf/rear deck.

Is there a recommendation on replacement? Mine has been damaged by previous water intrusion and with the new rear parcel shelf I'll be putting in it would be nice to have something new and robust.

The below thread seems to have a good approach but it's a fair bit more involved then throwing a big sheet of heavy ass damping pad in place.

Interior sound deadening, noise reduction, and thermal insulation

[thetorch]

I think this explanation of car noise / deadening is good: https://www.secondskinaudio.com/sound-deadening/ultimate-car-insulation-guide/

This worked really well for me:

Small amount of vibration damping, only on large flat areas -- Noico, Dynamat, Damplifier Pro, etc.
Full coverage of MLV + CC Foam: Second Skin Luxury Liner Pro is excellent, but heavy.

Not cheap.

[David Inc.]

Originally Posted by thetorch

I think this explanation of car noise / deadening is good: https://www.secondskinaudio.com/sound-deadening/ultimate-car-insulation-guide/

This worked really well for me:

Small amount of vibration damping, only on large flat areas -- Noico, Dynamat, Damplifier Pro, etc.
Full coverage of MLV + CC Foam: Second Skin Luxury Liner Pro is excellent, but heavy.

Not cheap.

Thanks. And hey, "not cheap" is a hell of a lot better than "no longer available".

[thetorch]

Originally Posted by David Inc.

Thanks. And hey, "not cheap" is a hell of a lot better than "no longer available".

I think something similar to original is available, but it's not modern soundproofing:

Stoddard, Lakewell and design911 sell it. I can't find it on our host.