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wind reduction

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I bought it. Tried installing last night, unsuccessfully. The tube popped open as soon as it had a bit of tension on it. Then it would not stay put when I tried to install. Emailed last night saying the tube broke. Awaiting a response.
 
I haven't noticed excessive wind noise to begin with. Maybe its gotten better with later builds?
I really didn't notice either until I drove on the freeway with the radio off. Always have music on at about level 5 and it doesn't bother me. Try driving at low speed with radio off and increase speed to about 50+ or so and see if you notice how it gets louder with speed. Look at the gap between the windshield and the glass panel and you will see the gap were talking about. My "S" has that same gap but almost not noticeable as far as wind noise. I assume that is the way the panels fit in for possible shifting as a buffer otherwise cracks or chips.
 
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I purchased and will install tomorrow and update

Go to your local hardware store and buy a product call backer rod. Try 3/8 inch x 240 inch , 1/2 inch x 240 inches, or 5/8 inch x 240 inches. Cost of $3.48

Then look for a hand applicator squeegee. Or a kitchen spatula that does not have to much play in it to sink the backer rod into the gaps.

Also I read the link on the model s forum. The weather stripping they chose with the adhesive will not work. The adhesive in the sun heat and rain will eventually come off.

Backer rod does not have adhesion
 
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I really didn't notice either until I drove on the freeway with the radio off. Always have music on at about level 5 and it doesn't bother me. Try driving at low speed with radio off and increase speed to about 50+ or so and see if you notice how it gets louder with speed. Look at the gap between the windshield and the glass panel and you will see the gap were talking about. My "S" has that same gap but almost not noticeable as far as wind noise. I assume that is the way the panels fit in for possible shifting as a buffer otherwise cracks or chips.
Has there been an improvement after the install?
 
We're trying the RPM Tesla strip. Subjectively the wind noise seems reduced. The problem though is that it popped out of the channel within a day.

It's not hard to install, but getting the right amount of tension on each of the four sides to keep it in may take some iteration. The side gaps are wide so it's not really secured but just sitting in the channel. The front needs to be very taut to both get in and stay in, it seems, as the gap is pretty small.

Just re-installed so we'll test drive again.
 
Go to your local hardware store and buy a product call backer rod. Try 3/8 inch x 240 inch , 1/2 inch x 240 inches, or 5/8 inch x 240 inches. Cost of $3.48

Then look for a hand applicator squeegee. Or a kitchen spatula that does not have to much play in it to sink the backer rod into the gaps.

Also I read the link on the model s forum. The weather stripping they chose with the adhesive will not work. The adhesive in the sun heat and rain will eventually come off.

Backer rod does not have adhesion

Have you installed backer rod on a Model 3 to see if it works?
 
Have you installed backer rod on a Model 3 to see if it works?

No not yet.

I don’t really hear it or on occasion I do but then think of something else or turn up the radio.

I don’t have a decibel meter either.

I live near the coast and it can get windy here. Some days when the wind kicks up to 15-20 mph I can hear it. So I think my trial and error would be on the extreme end.

Also the stuff that is in that kit seems very similar to backer rod which I have used to around the house.
Also backer rod comes in different sizes. Not sure if the kit is only one size.
 
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Have you installed backer rod on a Model 3 to see if it works?
Ok so I am trying it.
DB900FC3-22BE-4015-921F-42610A2B8582.jpeg

I also had screen spline lying around. I would go with this size in the picture. Make sure it is the circular kind. NOT the flat kind.

802A5EE4-3D3B-4160-97CA-7FFC71DB23A0.jpeg
I had such a big gap I had to use the backer rod. The smallest backer rod they sell.

1B6FC0D6-3519-4EDF-A839-C2C6BD6FE8FF.jpeg

Here is the spline in the gaps

Also I can use this dental tool to pull up the screen spline to keep it flush with the frame

F1355958-AD5A-4E4E-AD33-3A355C127E47.jpeg

DC11E783-5D9E-4B8F-AA0C-779815D54E28.jpeg

This is a long view of the spline
 
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Ok so I am trying it.
View attachment 296967

I also had screen spline lying around. I would go with this size in the picture. Make sure it is the circular kind. NOT the flat kind.

View attachment 296957
I had such a big gap I had to use the backer rod. The smallest backer rod they sell.

View attachment 296961

Here is the spline in the gaps

Also I can use this dental tool to pull up the screen spline to keep it flush with the frame

View attachment 296963

View attachment 296965

This is a long view of the spline


So I drove around. Everything stayed in place. Nothing broke during the install . The screen spline 25 feet of it is plenty to do the job. Less then 5.00 dollars cost.

A deference...not sure. I hear wind noise more from the side mirrors over 50 mph.

As I stated before I turn the radio up. But understand if you are talking with someone on the phone. You hear wind noise.
 
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So I drove around. Everything stayed in place. Nothing broke during the install . The screen spline 25 feet of it is plenty to do the job. Less then 5.00 dollars cost.

A deference...not sure. I hear wind noise more from the side mirrors over 50 mph.

As I stated before I turn the radio up. But understand if you are talking with someone on the phone. You hear wind noise.
Thats what I thought mirrors could be the issue? I'm going to try and have the mirrors folded inward(not sure if possible) and see if it goes away.
 
We're trying the RPM Tesla strip. Subjectively the wind noise seems reduced. The problem though is that it popped out of the channel within a day.

It's not hard to install, but getting the right amount of tension on each of the four sides to keep it in may take some iteration. The side gaps are wide so it's not really secured but just sitting in the channel. The front needs to be very taut to both get in and stay in, it seems, as the gap is pretty small.

Just re-installed so we'll test drive again.

Update on the RPM Tesla solution, we've driven about 10 miles since yesterday mostly on surface roads, max speed probably less than 50 mph. The strip has stayed in place, but along the leading edge, it's become noticeably uneven in two places where it might be starting to pull itself out.

What might be happening here is that the leading edge has extreme turbulent flow where the windshield ends at the roof. The RPM Tesla strip is also under extreme tension in the front channel - both to become slim enough to get it in there, but also to stay in there - however, the tension may not be even across the channel, though we try to make it as even to the human eye as possible. Either the turbulent flow, or the uneven tension, is making parts of the strip get more suction force pulling it out. Hopefully its the uneven tension, as I think with a spudger tool I can work the strip back and forth until tension gets more even. If it's random turbulence, then eventually some part of the strip will always start to pull out.

The other materials folks are trying might be superior to the RPM Tesla material in this regard. The RPM Tesla material is a very pliant rubber-like tube, so more tension (i.e. pulling it) radically thins out its profile, allowing it to become loose in the channel. Still unclear yet whether the RPM Tesla material will be able to remain stable in place.
 
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Thats what I thought mirrors could be the issue? I'm going to try and have the mirrors folded inward(not sure if possible) and see if it goes away.

Taken from owners manual

You can fold the mirrors inward for parking in tight spaces by touching Controls > Quick Controls > Fold. The mirrors remain folded until your driving speed reaches 31 mph (50 km/h), or until you touch Fold again to unfold the mirrors.


Note: You cannot fold a mirror if your driving speed exceeds 31 mph (50 km/h).

Sorry was trying to figure it out also
 
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