southpawboston
Drag Racing Champion
- Location
- Somerville, MA
Thorough write-up!
When I had all my door panels (cards UK) off for various OEM retrofits and soundproofing projects, I ran a bead of clear silicone caulk around the speaker frames where they meet the door, after reading about the OEM foam seal failures. I also replaced all four door checks with Jetta checks (3-stage, IIRC). That was actually one of my favorite "upgrades" of all, as I benefit from it every time I open the door on my sloped driveway. I couldn't stand the stock non-indexed checks and never had a car with those before. Note that the Jetta rears have slightly less travel, so if you decide to retrofit them, the rear doors won't open quite as wide, but that hasn't been an issue for anyone getting in or out the back.
With the panels off, I also made a point of augmenting the OEM harnesses (looms UK) with more Tessa tape to cover up areas where they skimped at the factory, to prevent any potential buzzes and rattles from wires contacting the panel. I also ran a bead of silicone caulk around the front door plastic access panel, which is only press-fit in place. Both of mine were loose straight from the factory-- more potential for rattles and buzz.
When I had all my door panels (cards UK) off for various OEM retrofits and soundproofing projects, I ran a bead of clear silicone caulk around the speaker frames where they meet the door, after reading about the OEM foam seal failures. I also replaced all four door checks with Jetta checks (3-stage, IIRC). That was actually one of my favorite "upgrades" of all, as I benefit from it every time I open the door on my sloped driveway. I couldn't stand the stock non-indexed checks and never had a car with those before. Note that the Jetta rears have slightly less travel, so if you decide to retrofit them, the rear doors won't open quite as wide, but that hasn't been an issue for anyone getting in or out the back.
With the panels off, I also made a point of augmenting the OEM harnesses (looms UK) with more Tessa tape to cover up areas where they skimped at the factory, to prevent any potential buzzes and rattles from wires contacting the panel. I also ran a bead of silicone caulk around the front door plastic access panel, which is only press-fit in place. Both of mine were loose straight from the factory-- more potential for rattles and buzz.