Closed cell expanding foam, For all those nooks and cranys that collect road grime Options

[tbox56]

I have been working on a little bit of rustoration on my 72 subie conversion, and found a couple of areas that have some of the dreaded 'rust bunnies'. One of these is just behind the doors, just on the inside of the vent tube, and the other is by the taillights on toward the outside of the car. after looking at and repairing these areas, i think that the best way to protect them is to keep all of the road grime and moisture out. My thought was to take some 2 part expanding closed cell foam and fill these spots. I found three products on 3M's website that look like they would work. Does anyone have any experience with these products? Foams and NVH

Thanks in advance
Thomas

[r_towle]

Up near the vent tube at the door handle does not seem to be foam, but just a whole large pile of seam sealer.
The foam in the targa bar certainly absorbs moisture...quite a bit and eventually is starts rusting the top of the fender just below the targa bar intersection.

I think the foam, properly done and very very well sealed with a waterproof membrane (like seam sealer) would be fine for another 35 years.

One thing to consider...you will never drive this car like you would have if it was your new car...it will get better care, and you will hose out those areas each year at least.

We are seeing 40 year old cars that have not been properly cleaned in decades...and they lived outside for a large portion of time.

SOme of the guys here with cars they have owned forever have not experienced the same rust issues as those of us that purchased a 3-4-5th hand car.

Another modification that I consider manditory is to put 1/4 inch or 3/8 inch rubber washers between the rocker covers and the long on the bottom fasteners.
In the original design, the dirt and crap has no place to go, then it builds up. If you use the rubber washers as standoffs you cant see the difference (unless you crawl underneath and look) and you can stick a hose in both endfs of the rocker cover and blow out all the built up crap.

Alot of the sand will just fall out naturally.

To you original point, go for it.
Just create a super sealed section so water can never get to the foam.
I have sections over the rear tailights that the metal is still bare and pristine once the foam was removed.
I have had other cars that in that same area the sealant pulled away and the foam made the issue much worse when wet.
Rich