Expanding Foam Footbox Seal Tape Hasn't Expanded

[lasse2]

Looking for a reality check on the expanding foam that FF provides. I had searched and found a few discussions before mounting the body. Paul (edwardb) had noted that he had used it successfully and that was enough justification for me to proceed. As it sits, I mounted the body 2+ weeks ago and the foam is still less than 5/8" tall. I have a couple scrap pieces I didn't use and they are similar in size. I researched the emseal product and didn't find a lot of info on troubleshooting foam that didn't expand. I'm in construction and we use emseal products frequently. They are generally quite good. Last night I took a hair dryer and warmed the loose pieces of foam up to see if that would help. After 20 minutes of concentrated warm air, it is now almost 7/8" thick. I'm wondering how much expansion other people have seen and how long it took. My garage is probably 55 degrees at the moment and I'm hoping it will continue to grow to seal the gaps but I'm less confident with every day that passes. With everything mounted, I'll be ready for the road this weekend and I'm not interested in taking the body off to fix. I'll be looking at stuffing in pool noodles or another option if necessary. Any feedback would be appreciated.

[wallace18]

I have used pool noodles to seal those areas between the foot boxes and the body. Once in place I use black flex seal. See post #47 in attached thread.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?43107-BA-s-MK4-build-thread-by-Wallace18/page2

[Jeff Kleiner]

The proper way to use the provided expanding foam seal is to install the whole package that FFR supplies into the nearest trash can then run down to your local Lowes, Home Depot or hardware store and pick up a package of 2 1/4" window air conditioner insulating foam and a can of spray contact cement.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=125530&d=1585919775

I apply it to the footbox sides as shown before installing the bodies. Unlike pool noodles when it's compressed and then springs back it doesn't apply enough pressure to affect the body shape.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=125529&d=1585919721

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=125531&d=1585919806

I do this on every car that I build or paint.

Hope that helps!

Jeff

[michael everson]

What Jeff said.
mike

[JohnK]

x3 on what Jeff and Mike said.

[rich grsc]

If that stuff is more than a few months old, it won't expand, and YES Jeff is correct. Again.:cool:

[steno]

Jeff Kleiner is RIGHT!

[BradCraig]

Yep, AC seal is the best way.

[Ashaw65]

Great tip. Thank you.

[Benchwarmer]

The proper way to use the provided expanding foam seal is to install the whole package that FFR supplies into the nearest trash can then run down to your local Lowes, Home Depot or hardware store and pick up a package of 2 1/4" window air conditioner insulating foam and a can of spray contact cement.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=125530&d=1585919775

I apply it to the footbox sides as shown before installing the bodies. Unlike pool noodles when it's compressed and then springs back it doesn't apply enough pressure to affect the body shape.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=125529&d=1585919721

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=125531&d=1585919806

I do this on every car that I build or paint.

Hope that helps!

Jeff

Is it possible to install effectively after the body is on? I purchased a car that was already built and looking for a way to beat the heat coming through the footbox.