Foam ?

[Chris J]

It IS a good idea to fill sill cavities etc. with foam isn't it?, but will any DIY type of foam do the job?

If I'm going to buy some, does it have to come from a specialist supplier?

[David May]

I tried all the makes I could find and they only seemed to vary in price and container. I recon it's all the same stuff, so go for the cheapest (and count on chucking away any part-used cans which are impossible to clean out.)

[Chris J]

Thanks Dave.

So, use it all in one go, right.

[David May]

Somebody does sell a solvent for the foam but its hardly worth playing with - it sets in the pipes and valves and clogs the can. By the way - don't forget to mask around all possible outlets since it expands like the clappers and its a devil to get off if it bubbles out when and where you're not expecting it! Its easy to cut away any large chunks but it marks paintwork and sticks really well to anything and everything!

[stewart]

For what it is worth, the only comment I would make about the foam is be careful where you put it. Some places I used it (between roll cage and roof behind seats for example) where there is body flex/movement, it squeaks like crazy! :(

(and for that reason is going to be removed as much as possible)

cheers

[strat fan]

You can get a proper 2 part expanding foam from a company called euro resins (or similar fibreglass suppliers) , it comes labelled as Part A & Part B, it is way better than the expanding foams from aerosols, alot less bubbles but you can only pour it rather than squirt it into difficult areas. Simply pour equal amounts into seperate cups then mix & pour. I don't know what quantities they sell in other than 5 litres of each ( this would probably do at least 6 cars!). As stated earlier allow over spill holes and prepare for excess!!

[David May]

I too have used it behind the roll cage and the two-part bulkheads and have never heard a squeak. Mine has set so well that I'm sure its glued everything very firmly together (although it was put in for heat and sound insulation.)

[Stratos]

I hope you are all aware that most of the expanding foams you buy in DIY outlets are FLAMMABLE.

I want something in my car that keeps the flames away from me, not something that adds to the power of the fire, so I use Flame Retardent Foam. It's only slightly more expensive than the DIY shop foams.

I can't remember the number of the supplier off the top of my head, but I'll try and sort it out in the next couple of days.

[John]

You can buy this foam in both hand held and "gun grade" (where you use a seperate gun screwed to the top of the canister and is readily cleaned with a solvent aerosol) from Screwfix www.screwfix.com.
Item No is 35642-77 for hand held and 23432-77 for gun grade (£7.00 ea.)
The gun is D14315-77 (£9.99)
I have found that the gun grade foam does not expand as aggressively as 2 part foam which can distort panels.

[David May]

I think you'll find that the foams are only highly flammable in the application phase because of the sovents they use. Once dry it's fairly inert (but probably will burn if heated enough.)

[John]

Yes I think you are correct David. I can remember being told years ago when foam filling around the tank of my Chevette that if you reach the temperatures when the foam will actually set alight you are going to be toast by then anyway.

[Stratos]

I think you'll find that the foams are only highly flammable in the application phase because of the sovents they use. Once dry it's fairly inert (but probably will burn if heated enough.)

Aaah, no-one ever explained that to me. I thought it meant flammable aafter application and drying, but, if I remember the spec on my cans correctly, ...

The stuff I use is good for 4 hours at 1000 (yes, one thousand degrees), so I'm going to be well out of the way long before that.


And, .....

Although it's harder to get hold of, it's only about £2 more than the standard stuff, so I reckon I'll keep using it.

[chris.richard]

I used Envirograf PVE/A polyurethane fire retardant foam in my bulkhead area. www.envirograf.com

Cost about £15 for 750ml can, which included personal delivery from Aberdeen to my work (170 miles)by the supplier's telephonist. I don't think that's a regular feature of their delivery service, but sh was passing the door going on holiday!