Stopping dash squeaks and rattles - LotusTalk

Chris Mackey · 09-01-2009, 08:21 AM

I'm taking the dash out of my beloved Elsie today in order to straighten out some wonky wiring going to my satellite radio. While I am at it, I think I'll add something in between the dash pieces to hopefully stop squeaks and rattles.

I have considered:

1. Electrical tape. Thin and probably squeak resistant. May not take up extra space to prevent rattles, though. Should resist heat.

2. Felt tape. Might do both jobs, but also might be too thick and appear through seams. Should also resist heat.

Two sided tape is out, as I want to be able to take it apart easily later.

Suggestions?

MCD007 · 09-01-2009, 03:47 PM

Do you have instructions on how to remove the dash?

I have CRAZY creaking sounds coming from both sides of my dash near the pillars.

Chris Mackey · 09-01-2009, 08:31 PM

Yeah, the instructions are on this site.I don't need them, as I have done this 2 other times.
Do it all at once!

I used the soft part of some left over velcro. Works fine!

chuck_risen · 09-01-2009, 09:20 PM

You might want to consider using friction tape. Autozone, electrical supply stores and other places carry it as well as some sporting goods stores as people use it to wrap their hockey sticks with it as well.

Freddofrog · 09-01-2009, 09:43 PM

Requires discipline but easiest solution is to just ignore it and soon enough all the squeaks will magically disappear. Lotus isn't a peice of precision German automotive excellence, it's hand made by whinging poms. By all means try and reduce the squeaks but after than I wouldn't be too fussed, Lotuses have "character". That's why we love them.

ItsThaMonsta · 09-01-2009, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freddofrog

Requires discipline but easiest solution is to just ignore it and soon enough all the squeaks will magically disappear. Lotus isn't a peice of precision German automotive excellence, it's hand made by whinging poms. By all means try and reduce the squeaks but after than I wouldn't be too fussed, Lotuses have "character". That's why we love them.

Most love the characteristics of how it drives not how the rattles sound. Fortunately for me I know have "all" the ones that some have.

buzzy · 09-02-2009, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck_risen

You might want to consider using friction tape. Autozone, electrical supply stores and other places carry it as well as some sporting goods stores as people use it to wrap their hockey sticks with it as well.

That's what I'm going to use on mine when I find the time to take the dash apart again. I picked up some "3M Temflex" on ebay a while back.

Chris Mackey · 09-03-2009, 02:56 PM

It worked! My car is quieter than it was, especially over bumps.

09-01-2009, 08:21 AM	#1 (permalink)
Chris Mackey Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 2,587	Stopping dash squeaks and rattles I'm taking the dash out of my beloved Elsie today in order to straighten out some wonky wiring going to my satellite radio. While I am at it, I think I'll add something in between the dash pieces to hopefully stop squeaks and rattles. I have considered: 1. Electrical tape. Thin and probably squeak resistant. May not take up extra space to prevent rattles, though. Should resist heat. 2. Felt tape. Might do both jobs, but also might be too thick and appear through seams. Should also resist heat. Two sided tape is out, as I want to be able to take it apart easily later. Suggestions? __________________ 2006 Elise, Ardent Red, Black Pack, LSS wheels, shocks and springs. ChuforiaGraffix.com SDD Lives On! SweetDaddyDelicious(at)hotmail(dot)com

09-01-2009, 08:31 PM	#3 (permalink)
Chris Mackey Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 2,587	Yeah, the instructions are on this site.I don't need them, as I have done this 2 other times. Do it all at once! I used the soft part of some left over velcro. Works fine! __________________ 2006 Elise, Ardent Red, Black Pack, LSS wheels, shocks and springs. ChuforiaGraffix.com SDD Lives On! SweetDaddyDelicious(at)hotmail(dot)com

09-03-2009, 02:56 PM	#8 (permalink)
Chris Mackey Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 2,587	It worked! My car is quieter than it was, especially over bumps. __________________ 2006 Elise, Ardent Red, Black Pack, LSS wheels, shocks and springs. ChuforiaGraffix.com SDD Lives On! SweetDaddyDelicious(at)hotmail(dot)com

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09-01-2009, 03:47 PM	#2 (permalink)
MCD007 The Man Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sunnyvale, CA Posts: 75	Do you have instructions on how to remove the dash? I have CRAZY creaking sounds coming from both sides of my dash near the pillars.

09-01-2009, 09:20 PM	#4 (permalink)
chuck_risen Director of Engineering Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: I live in Glen Ellyn IL, a suburb of Chicago. Posts: 922	You might want to consider using friction tape. Autozone, electrical supply stores and other places carry it as well as some sporting goods stores as people use it to wrap their hockey sticks with it as well.

09-01-2009, 09:43 PM	#5 (permalink)
Freddofrog Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Australia Posts: 31	Requires discipline but easiest solution is to just ignore it and soon enough all the squeaks will magically disappear. Lotus isn't a peice of precision German automotive excellence, it's hand made by whinging poms. By all means try and reduce the squeaks but after than I wouldn't be too fussed, Lotuses have "character". That's why we love them.

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