Tip of the Day: Vapor barrier re-install

[snyperx]

In case anyone wants to know about how to re-install a vapor barrier I thought I'd make a quick post on it. I needed to replace the passenger vapor barrier after I trashed the original installing sound deadening material for the door for my stereo install.

1. Called the dealership and ordered a replacement barrier. It was about $23 + tax.
2. Went to Advance Auto and picked up a package of 3/8" x 15' 3M Windo-Weld. It's the sticky stuff that holds the vapor barrier to the door. $20 + tax
3. Since the Windo-Weld stuff comes in a round format I just cut off (scissors work great) a section and using the existing channel in the door laid down a fresh bead of the Windo-Weld material.
4. Take the new vapor barrier and using firm pressure with your thumb press the vapor barrier into the new bead of Windo-Weld you just laid down. You could also LIGHTLY heat the Windo-Weld with a hair dryer to really make it stick.
5. That's it, done. YOu now have a new vapor barrier installed. Since the roll I bought has 15' of material and I stretched the pieces I cut off, you could probably do all four doors if you wanted.




Hope this helps.

[mmasse]

Good information thanks for posting this. I just left mine sans barrier and covered all the holes with deadener.

[pwain]

Originally Posted by mmasse

Good information thanks for posting this. I just left mine sans barrier and covered all the holes with deadener.

+1

I was actually about to do my doors this afternoon. My origional plan was to scrap the vapor barrier. Have you found out the hard way Snyperx that is is necessary? Is it possible to salvage the orgional film and just purchase the tape?

[snyperx]

Originally Posted by pwain

+1

I was actually about to do my doors this afternoon. My origional plan was to scrap the vapor barrier. Have you found out the hard way Snyperx that is is necessary? Is it possible to salvage the orgional film and just purchase the tape?

Yes you can salvage the vapor barrier. What I did was use an xacto knife with a NEW blade. As you pull the old barrier off, the original adhesive (Windo-Weld) will start to pull away. GO SLOW!!! Take the Xacto knife and cut the adhesive that is stretching careful not to cut the vapor barrier or damage the sheet metal. The vapor barrier will stretch a bit, but should be salvageable for the most part if you are careful. In hindsight I should of used a hair dryer on low to help soften the adhesive to help prevent stretching of the vapor barrier plastic. Using the hair dryer on low should also prevent the vapor barrier from melting. Hope that helps.

[OkSlim]

I haven't taken the panel off my corolla but in the past, I used a hair dryer to get the old barrier to release.

[Jeff Lange]

I also did not have to replace the barrier when I had my panel off, but I did order new ones for my 86 Corolla, so I'll probably grab some of this stuff, it looks to be relatively easy to work with compared to some other similar products.

Jeff