Frame Foam???
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
From: KC Kansas
Frame Foam???
I am doing a frame up resto and have just completed blasting the frame. I have been hearing things about how some manufactuers have put a type of expanding foam in the frame tubes to help prevent moisture from entering and a little help with sound. Has anyone tried this? Is it a good idea? Can I use regular expanding foam from a hardware store? Any info is appreciated. Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,721
Likes: 108
From: Canada
I would be concerned with using hardware store foam, as the water that is in it may rust the frame from the inside out. I would imagine that the F 150 frame I see advertised uses a specialy foam. Cool idea but not something I would want to do myself.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,694
Likes: 833
From: WI
There is a rubberized foam inside the A pillars of my 81. My 81 Caprice that I am also restoring also had a red rubberized foam in the pillars. Mostly to prevent wind noise from entering the cabin, I believe. I had to cut apart and repair one of the A Pillars so I definitely saw how it was sprayed in there. After I repaired it, I sprayed some "Great Stuff" minimal expanding foam in it. It has a closed-cell structure so it doesn't absorb or hold water. Of course, if water got in there from a leak, it might not escape either. So make sure it's all sealed up in all areas. I don't know what years they did this. I see the same exact red foam sticking out of the upper corners of my 81 vette windshield frame. Don't really notice it until after blasting.
MarkG
MarkG
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 2
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, the World
I am about the only forum member I know of who has actually done this. I did it to strengthen and dampen the frame movement. Can't remember the foam I used as I paid some guys who do this foam stuff every day. I got the idea from rally cars who do this for strength. I powder coated the frame first then blocked off the excess holes.We then poured the liquid in to the deepest holes and let it expand. We had to manhandle the frame around while doing this so do it while it is bare. It has made a difference how the car rides and it definitely flexes less when it is jacked up. No more squeaks!
Other members are worried about the foam retaining moisture and then rusting out the frame but if you take precautions you should be right. Mine was done about 4 years ago.
I think the red stuff is for "interior" use in monocoque bodies. Many manufacturers use it for strength and NVH reduction in pillars.
Other members are worried about the foam retaining moisture and then rusting out the frame but if you take precautions you should be right. Mine was done about 4 years ago.
I think the red stuff is for "interior" use in monocoque bodies. Many manufacturers use it for strength and NVH reduction in pillars.
