Equipped for (Quiet) Driving

Installing AMD SilentDrive Sound Deadening in an OBS Suburban

If you’ve been around classic trucks long enough, you eventually realize that “classic” doesn’t always mean old-school anymore. The OBS GM truck platform—once considered modern—has officially crossed that line. With the earliest OBS trucks now pushing four decades old, they’ve earned their place in the restoration world.

Our 1999 Chevrolet Suburban might be one of the youngest OBS trucks out there, but with nearly 200,000 miles on the odometer, it’s lived a full life. Like many high-mileage small-block Chevy-powered trucks, the original supercharged setup finally let go, giving us the perfect excuse to take this Suburban in a new direction: a full restomod refresh focused on drivability, comfort, and refinement.

Before touching the drivetrain or stereo upgrades, we started where every successful build should begin—inside the cab. Specifically, with sound control.

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Why Sound Deadening Matters in OBS GM Trucks

OBS Suburbans, Tahoes, Silverados, and Sierras were never designed with modern noise isolation in mind. Thin factory insulation, aging carpet padding, and decades of vibration leave these trucks loud, hollow, and fatiguing on long drives.

Road noise, exhaust resonance, drivetrain vibration, and heat transfer all come through the floor, doors, and firewall. If you’re planning a restomod—especially one with modern audio, upgraded drivetrains, or daily-driver intentions—proper sound deadening isn’t optional. It’s foundational.

That’s where Auto Metal Direct’s SilentDrive sound deadening system comes into play.

AMD SilentDrive Pro: Modern Materials, OE-Friendly Results

AMD recently released SilentDrive Pro (SDP) and SilentDrive Pro 3-in-1, designed specifically for classic and late-model restoration applications. Unlike older asphalt-based sound mats that harden, crack, or melt over time, SilentDrive uses mass-loaded butyl, which offers superior long-term performance.

SilentDrive Pro Key Construction Highlights:

• 80-mil (2mm) butyl membrane

• Heavy foil backing for heat rejection and vibration control

• Viscoelastic properties that remain stable across temperature extremes

Each box includes 10 sheets, covering approximately 43 square feet, making it easy to plan coverage without excessive waste.

The foil backing does more than reject heat—it also makes installation easier. You can visually confirm adhesion around contours, corners, and stamped floor features, ensuring the mat is fully bonded to the panel.

Why Butyl Beats Asphalt (Every Time)

From a restoration standpoint, butyl-based sound deadening is simply better suited for classic trucks:

• Consistent performance across hot summers and cold winters

• No melting, sagging, or hardening over time

• Better vibration absorption with less material thickness

Each SilentDrive Pro sheet adds mass to the panel, which stiffens the metal and changes the sound signature entirely. Instead of sharp metallic “ping” noises from road debris or drivetrain vibration, impacts become a dull, controlled “thunk.”

That mass-loading effect is critical in large vehicles like Suburbans, where expansive flat panels are prone to resonance.

SilentDrive Pro 3-in-1: Taking It a Step Further

For areas where maximum noise reduction and comfort matter most, SilentDrive Pro 3-in-1 adds another layer of refinement.

In addition to the butyl and foil base, the 3-in-1 mat includes a 5mm dense closed-cell polyethylene foam layer. This foam acts as a decoupling layer, preventing vibration transfer between the metal substrate and interior components.

Benefits of the 3-in-1 Design:

• Reduces panel-to-panel vibration and interior rattles

• Dramatically lowers road noise through the floor

• Improves thermal insulation

• Closed-cell construction resists moisture and mold

Unlike open-cell foam or woven OEM padding, closed-cell foam doesn’t absorb water—an important consideration in older trucks where moisture intrusion is common.

Surface Prep: Where Most Installs Go Wrong

Sound deadening performance is only as good as the surface it’s applied to. After stripping the Suburban’s original seats and carpet—both heavily contaminated from years of oil and coolant leaks—we treated the floor like a paint-prep job.

Best practices for proper adhesion:

• Vacuum thoroughly

• Degrease the surface

• Final wipe with acetone immediately before install

Any dirt, dust, or residue will prevent the butyl from bonding correctly and drastically reduce effectiveness. Extra caution is required around brittle OBS interior trim, as aged plastics can crack easily during removal.

Coverage Strategy: More Isn’t Always Better

A common misconception is that every square inch must be covered. In reality, 75 percent coverage is the point where sound deadening becomes highly effective.

You can double-layer for additional mass, but there’s a point of diminishing returns. For this Suburban, we used:

• One box of SilentDrive Pro

• One box of SilentDrive Pro 3-in-1

The 3-in-1 material was focused under the front seats and rear footwell, where road noise transfer is highest. The cargo area was intentionally left untreated for future stereo fabrication.

Real-World Results You Can Measure

Even without reinstalling carpet or seats, the difference was immediate and measurable.

• 10–15 dB reduction in door-shut noise

• Similar reduction from direct impacts to the floorpan

That kind of noise reduction translates directly to a quieter, more refined driving experience—especially once interior components are reinstalled.

Built for the Long Haul

SilentDrive Pro proved to be one of the easiest sound deadening materials we’ve worked with. It cuts cleanly, conforms well, and stays put—no excessive heat, no fighting adhesive, and no long-term concerns.

As the build progresses, additional SilentDrive Pro and 3-in-1 material will be added to the doors and headliner to further refine the cabin. For any OBS GM truck owner planning a restoration or restomod, sound deadening should be at the top of the list—and AMD’s SilentDrive lineup delivers modern performance without compromising long-term durability.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much sound deadening do I need for an OBS Suburban?
Most OBS Suburbans require 1–2 boxes for the main passenger area, depending on coverage goals.

Is SilentDrive suitable for daily-driven trucks?
Yes. The butyl formulation is designed to remain stable over time and across temperature extremes.

Does sound deadening also reduce heat?
The foil layer reflects radiant heat, while the 3-in-1 foam adds insulation value.

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Final Thoughts

Quiet isn’t boring—it’s refined. Whether you’re building a long-haul cruiser, a restomod family hauler, or a high-end OBS street truck, AMD SilentDrive sound deadening lays the groundwork for a better driving experience.

If you’re restoring an OBS GM truck, this is one upgrade you’ll appreciate every mile.