[Topcat Tomcat]

Can anyone recommend a supply for the self adhesive foam shown in the photos?


The thicker strip on the sixth light surround appears to be a closed cell foam and is in good condition.

[Johnny 216GSi]

I purchased this one: https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/foam-tapes/2050899

It's very easily "squishable" and recovers slowly when compressed.

It's obviously too thick for the rear hatch blanking plates so I cut it down the middle (as in - half its thickness, which was VERY tricky) and put some new adhesive on the bits I'd managed to cut (3M 9088-200 tape - possibly the best/stickiest thin double-sided tape you can buy).

You could have a search in the RS "foam tapes" section to find something slimmer for this purpose.

It does have an effect. As you replace all the perished foam everywhere, little squeaks disappear and the car starts to sound more like a new one. I've even done things like the centre console, i.e. the black part when you take off the coloured surround. There's a very thin tape around all the edges to stop rattling. I used anti-rattle / wire loom tape (one of many sellers: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/324181713910). Just a fluffy cloth tape with a rubber compound adhesive on the back. It also works in places where a thicker foam tape won't work, or where you want to add some anti-squeak/rattle properties to an area which didn't have anything before and you just need something really thin so it doesn't effect refitting at all.

[Topcat Tomcat]

Perfect. Thanks again for the extremely comprehensive and helpful reply!

[Topcat Tomcat]

I’m finally ready to start putting the interior trim back into the 216 GSi. The headlining and associated fittings went in today.

I was going to refit the sixth light trim, but noticed this foam. The backing paper is brittle and the foam is breaking down.

Does anyone know what it’s for?

[Topcat Tomcat]

I’ve just had a look at the other side. I’m beginning to wonder if it’s for noise reduction from the cavity, as it covers the gap????

And what on earth is this short length of foam for?