Door glass differences - EA-EL?

spope · 13-04-2006, 09:20 AM

Does anyone know if there is any difference in door glasses from EA-EL?
I know the physical size is the same, however, are later glasses thicker, or have extra laminating?
As part of my never ending quest to reduce road noise, I am now noticing noise coming via the glass, and it occured to me there is a good chance it was updated with the EF.
Any info appreciated.

XRated · 13-04-2006, 10:50 AM

I think the EBII introduced thicker glass than the EA, the EF thicker again? and the EL had thicker again.

ilsautomotive · 13-04-2006, 10:58 AM

The only differences that I am aware of is the EL featuring 'Smart Tint', which meant slightly thicker glass and presumably UV reduction. Also bear in mind that the small rear door windows are different between EA-ED and EF-EL on the SWB sedan.

Good to see you taking on road noise... I'm not the only one then. Mods I have done so far:

* Clark Rubber thick insultion beneath the carpet and above the roof lining
* EL Falcon rubbers between the door trim and the door itself (replacing the clear plastic)
* 14" wheels for reduced tyre noise

The next step will be things like upgraded rubbers seals around the doors, insulation inside the doors themselves, new tyres biased towards low noise, upgraded engine bay firewall insulation, and I'm sure other ideas will come...

EFFalcon · 13-04-2006, 11:02 AM

i'm pretty sure EL Glass is 2mm thicker then EF glass.
i think EL is 5mm vs EF 3mm.
or something like that.

ilsautomotive · 13-04-2006, 11:14 AM

That would be a massive difference... you'd think they would have had to upgrade window motors and the like - or do internal door mods.

Something else that I remembered, another great mod for reducing road noise is the paint-on tar (thick black stuff in a paint tin). It is used for undercarriages and inexpensive to buy. I would consider also using it on the plastic inner-guard areas too.

InitialD · 13-04-2006, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trouty

That would be a massive difference... you'd think they would have had to upgrade window motors and the like - or do internal door mods.

Something else that I remembered, another great mod for reducing road noise is the paint-on tar (thick black stuff in a paint tin). It is used for undercarriages and inexpensive to buy. I would consider also using it on the plastic inner-guard areas too.

That paint on tar also known as Sound Deadener in a can :P is only like $8ish and works quite well infact.

spope · 13-04-2006, 12:12 PM

Lol! I have 4 litres of motorcraft brush on sound deadener at home that I intended to start putting in the doors this weekend.
Was also going to do under the car, mainly along the trans/tailshaft tunnel, and the wheel arches.
Then firewalll insulation (both sides) - under carpet insulation has already been doubled, and the el door sheilds are going in this weekend too I hope.
I have also fitted EL door rubbers, which did make a big difference, along with ED drip moulds (the rubber that runs along the top of the body.)
Also have fitted the EF little bits of rubber that go at the fronts of the doors - not quite sure how they work, but they do. I also have to fit the Ghia vertical liner things in the guards.
I am also running dunlop sp sport 300e tyres, they are the ones with silica - they made a HUGE difference to the road noise. Not gonna run cheap tyres again. So road noise and engine noise have been dulled a lot, which more to come.

But i noticed when i was sitting in traffic the other day that noise from other vehicles seems to be coming through the windows, which is why the thought of thicker glass cropped up.

Will have to see what I can find I guess.

sphell · 13-04-2006, 12:36 PM

yep, EL door glass is thicker than all other models

XRated · 13-04-2006, 12:39 PM

I'd like a test-run in your car once done Steve! Sounds like it'll be quiet as a mouse.

I've notice my mum's Focus is solid as a rock, wind noise etc is barely noticeable but the tyres make road noise really noticeable.

spope · 13-04-2006, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Sounds like it'll be quiet as a mouse.

I dunno about a mouse, but hopefully as quiet as least as an EF. There is only so far you can go without starting to add a LOT of extra weight. But I shall see.

Quote:

I've notice my mum's Focus is solid as a rock, wind noise etc is barely noticeable but the tyres make road noise really noticeable.

Bingo! The change I noticed when I slapped decent rubber on was incredible. Set me off, and now I want more. I'm actually getting worse, because I am now trying to identify exactly where what types of noise come into the cabin, hence the glass question.
I am also trying to do this with as little cost as possible, to see what can be acheived. It all adds up.
But I will try to track down some EL glass, and see what that is like.

FTGAutosalvage · 13-04-2006, 10:08 PM

EA had thick glass

EB & ED went to a thin glass

EF & EL went back to the thick glass