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Corvette: How to Install Sound Deadening

Tire noise and rattles can be minimized by installing sound deadening material. Learn how to complete this DIY job here.

February 19, 2015

This article applies to the C5, C6 and C7 Corvette (1997-current).

There's a lot to love about the sound that the Corvette makes, but tire noise and rattles from the trunk area are not included. The easy way to dampen the noise is by applying sound deadening material. Companies like Fatmat and Dynamat sell sheets of adhesive deadening that can be cut to fit almost anywhere. Want a quieter Corvette? Keep reading.

Materials Needed

  • Torx T40 bit and driver
  • Plastic pry tool
  • Needle nose pliers

Step 1 – Remove rear interior trim panels

Begin by removing the carpet in the hatch area of the Corvette. This process will differ slightly depending on the generation of Corvette being worked on, but none of them require much in the way of special tools. C5 and C6 Corvettes must first remove the left and right storage containers. The stowage brackets for the roof need to be removed next. Twist those 90 degrees clockwise and pull them off. Remove the remaining retainers by prying them off. Finally, pull out the carpet.

Figure 1. Carpet removed from trunk (C5/C6).

(Related thread: Instructions for Removing Trunk Carpet C5/C6 - CorvetteForum.com)

The process in the C7 requires a little more work. Begin by removing the D-rings with a plastic pry bar tool and T40 torx bit. The side panels are clipped in and can be removed with plastic pry tools. The carpet itself is held in place by spring clips. Release the carpet from these and pull it right out. To remove the carpet from the bulkhead, start at the bottom and pull up. Check out the link below for more information.

Figure 2. Carpet removed from trunk (C7).

(Related Thread: C7 Rear Hatch Interio Removal DIY - CorvetteForum.com)

Step 2 – Install sound deadening material

Cut the sheets of sound deadening material to fit the areas that need to be covered. Covering the rear bulkhead is recommended as that's where most road noise comes from. That said, covering the rest of the trunk will reduce road noise and body rattles even further.

Figure 3. Deadening material installed to bulkhead.

Step 3 – Re-install carpet and trim panels

Simply re-install the carpet and trim pieces to finish up.

Featured Video: How to Install Sound Deadening

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