SoftTop Noise Reduction.

[arussell99]

Reviewers claim the two drawbacks of the Bronco are fuel economy and cabin noise. I found a way to significantly reduce interior noise with a softtop. I bought a DirtyDog4x4 headliner ($269.95) and 2 inch thick cotton batting (noise reduction Factor of 1.05) from ATS Acoustics. (three 48x24 pads for $89.56 del.) The headliner helped in that in one direction it reduced the decibels by 3 db and then only by .9 db in the opposite direction (ave. of 1.85 db). Outside wind direction affects the noise level. After adding the cotton batting, the noise reduction was dramatic with noise levels of around 63-64 at 70 mph and 65.5 -66.3 at 75 mph. I have not had a chance to measure a hardtop but I doubt it would be that quiet. I was forced into a softtop by the Ford price modification incentive program and now I doubt I will buy the AFC hard top for almost $7K although I think hard tops look better.

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[Lak34ers]

What was db before and after both mods at freeway speed?

 

[arussell99]

I lost my notes, but I think it was 69.5 to 70.8 at 75 mph. I used my iphone with a mic and the Audio Tools app. My brother used a Radio Shack meter and was getting 70 db at 70 mph before any mods.

 

[OK_Hunter]

Interesting! I'll try to download a db app on my phone and test the sound levels next week. I've done some soft top nose reduction mods as well (egg crate sandwiched between soft top and Bimini). This is a great solution!

 

[1st 75th ranger]

What was db before and after both mods at freeway speed?

thats great mc giver lol
i dont care about the noise as i have $3500 in sound system lol old system was crap

 

[JohnnyBronco]

Can you open top to first open position with
A. Just the headliner
B. Both headliner and cotton batting

Or do both have to be removed to have any open air?

 

[Headsong]

All windows in?

 

[arussell99]

All windows up - only way top measure wind

Can you open top to first open position with
A. Just the headliner
B. Both headliner and cotton batting

Or do both have to be removed to have any open air?

noise

 

[arussell99]

Can you open top to first open position with
A. Just the headliner
B. Both headliner and cotton batting

Or do both have to be removed to have any open air?

 

[arussell99]

Can open top to the first position but the cotton batts will blow away. Also, The DirtyDog headliner is NOT a bimini and should not be used with the top open. So if you want to go open top, both would have to be removed. The cotton removal would take 5 seconds and maybe 1-2 minutes to undo 6 straps of the headliner- the installed hardware can stay in place.

 

[Kyukidoeric]

At purchase my Bronco was so quiet. Now 15 months and 32,500 miles later. The noise is so bad. So many airleaks,from the top and windows. Inused to be impressed.
I'm fine with the radio on (upgraded speakers) but when off, it drives me crazy.

 

[Bohlmbo]

When I look at the ATS Acoustics website, each of those 48x24 pads is $68.95. How did you get 3 for $90?

 

[arussell99]

ATS Acoustics sells the 6 pack for around $108 and individual batts for $19.67 + shipping. Search on 2 inch acoustical cotton batts. There is more than one company with acoustics in their name.

 

[Lak34ers]

Reviewers claim the two drawbacks of the Bronco are fuel economy and cabin noise. I found a way to significantly reduce interior noise with a softtop. I bought a DirtyDog4x4 headliner ($269.95) and 2 inch thick cotton batting (noise reduction Factor of 1.05) from ATS Acoustics. (three 48x24 pads for $89.56 del.) The headliner helped in that in one direction it reduced the decibels by 3 db and then only by .9 db in the opposite direction (ave. of 1.85 db). Outside wind direction affects the noise level. After adding the cotton batting, the noise reduction was dramatic with noise levels of around 63-64 at 70 mph and 65.5 -66.3 at 75 mph. I have not had a chance to measure a hardtop but I doubt it would be that quiet. I was forced into a softtop by the Ford price modification incentive program and now I doubt I will buy the AFC hard top for almost $7K although I think hard tops look better.

Trying to decide between the headliner and sun shade with the 2" material or something similar on top. Sun Shade is $200 and you can use it during the summer. Thoughts?

 

[Happycampinman]

Man, good for you. You identified a problem that drove you nuts and found a solution. Personally I would be in a different vehicle, made to have little noise in the cabin rather than go to all the effort you’ve put into reengineering the top. My forgetful self would drop the top on a beautiful sunny day and contribUte to the trash on the side of the road.

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