Another option might be to design a solid gasket that glues around the rim of the vent - think of the design of the phenolic spacers - then drill holes in the spacer every 1/4 inch or so then glue thin plastic sheet to top of spacer then cover sheet with dynamat -

the sound is deadened a BUNCH BUT there is still a path for air to escape both when closing the doors and when the airbags pop..

Doug

 

You absolutely hear more noise with the vents covered vs uncovered.

To answer Doug's question: Just feeling your ears pop doesn't mean they were at the breaking point (or even that there was any harm to them). It just means a sudden equalization vs a more typical gradual equilization.

Your typical eardrum can handle at least 5psi (dive to the bottom of a 12 ft swimming pool). Most people can handle closer to 10-12.

The airbag deployment will pressurize the cabin to about 2psi. (I did the actual number about a year ago, can't remember exacts).

If the cab was completely airtight and your eustatian tubes were blocked (you've got a cold/alergies) you'd still be fine. If you could guarantee your tubes were open, you can handle a REALLY huge pressure difference. (all you have to consider is the shock wave reflections)

I'm a SCUBA/free-diver instructor and have ripped my ear drums numerous times (doing very stupid things) this just isn't a safety concern.

The vents were put there to aid in air circulation. And they do that, quite well in fact.

Coldie

 

Since everyone is focusing on your vents and not the "thieves" here's one more to stir the pot. Maybe Collie could help on this too?!

What happens when you drive off a bridge and sink to the bottom of a river, you won't drown, you'll suffer from hypoxia!

Sound deadening material is an awesome thing, congrats, I hope you enjoy!

Stay away from bridges dammit!! -But then again, you'll probably float all the way to the ocean!!!