Dash end cover helps seal cockpit

[AZPete]

I noticed a large gap at the ends of the dash that allows outside air (or rattlesnakes!) and wind noise into the cockpit. This is noticeable only in the coupe since topless guys have wind everywhere. At the front of the doors the gap is a triangle that extends up to the inside of the dash and air comes in through the fender/door gap even with the wheel wells installed. Of course I noticed the gap after my third "final" install of the door and had to remove the door again to install this cover, but that's all part of the fun. The left photo shows the aluminum panel I made and the right photo has the finished panel. Next, I'll mount rubber seal to the front inside edge of the door that will seal the door against this new panel, thus blocking outside air and noise. So, before you install your doors, you might want to block off the ends of the dash.

62345

Oh, before you finish this panel you'll want to drill a hole for the window wires, and add a grommet of course.

[Frank818]

Good idea! And it makes it look OEM with that cover on the side. But from where is that air coming? If you seal under the dash it's sealed from the front area.

[Bob_n_Cincy]

Good idea! And it makes it look OEM with that cover on the side. But from where is that air coming? If you seal under the dash it's sealed from the front area.
Air comes in between the gap between the door and the fender. Then around the front of the door. On the 818S. the cockpit is low pressure.
If you don't put on the splash guards behind the front wheels. At the track, rubber dust comes in through that hole and cover you with black soot.
Bob

[RDRP]

Great tip! I will be sure to do this before installing the door. I am not worried about rattlesnakes, but it may keep the snow out!:)

[fastzrex]

AZPete, thanks for the tip!

[AZPete]

With the dash end cover in place, air can still sneak in between the door and this dash end cover. I made a strip of aluminum with rubber bulb seal riveted to it to fit the front inside edge of the door. I didn't know how wide to make it until I mounted the door, so I elongated the holes so I could slide the strip to close the gap and then tighten the #8 screws. I know this sounds anal but I want to seal the cockpit for noise.

63179

This pic is without the wheel well panel installed so the next step is to rivet that panel in (again).

[turbomacncheese]

Hmmm. My Saab has a couple of wedg-ish-triangular foam pieces that might fit the bill.....perhaps I should keep those.