I've never quite understood what that plastic held on with tar was really accomplishing. I see it potentially doing three things:

1) protecting door electronics from moisture in the event the window seals don't catch all moisture. However, two critical components - the window regulator and speaker wouldn't be protected by this plastic. Most other wiring is sheltered though.

2) protecting the inner door panel from moisture.

3) a very minor form of sound deadening. The effects here would be minor, but it may do something.

All that being said, does anyone really see any major adverse effects from leaving this off? Everything it is trying to accomplish could probably be done in some other fashion. I consider myself a fairly smart person and just don't see a need to do it this way. For the OEM, it is cheap, but I have other options at my disposal.

I really just hate that tar stuff and would love to remove it from my new doors.

 

I've wondered the same thing. My tar isn't that sticky anymore, and I've removed it and put it back on several times. So I'm sure it's falling off as we speak anyway....

 

Some sort of thermal insulation and a moisture barrier makes sense to me. I keep it intact as much as I can.

 

I beleive its partly for FOD(foregin object debre) protection so while on the production line nothing falls into the door causing the window to possible jam on the buyer.

 

it keeps the inside of the door panel dry.

 

Some sort of thermal insulation and a moisture barrier makes sense to me. I keep it intact as much as I can.

 

It's a moisture barrier between the door and the door card. Mainly to prevent mould from building on the inside of the door card. The seals around the window do not seal 100% and rain water will seep into the door.

 

Which is why there are drains at the bottom of the doors.

 

Okay. I'm thinking some form of moisture barrier attached to the inside of the inner door panel itself will accomplish the same task. Attaching it there also protects it from being ruined if there is repeated removal of the panels to fix common problems - mainly the window regulators.

 

My car gets a fair amount of water inside the door when it rains and if the plastic doesn't seal well by the speakers I get water on my door panel and carpet.

 

The lack of common sense amuses me ...

 

Care to elaborate?

 

I never said there aren't any holes. That was my whole point. I didn't say the water pools inside the door either......

 

Didn't say you did.

Your explaination regarding the plastic barrier is the correct one.

 

that should work. just think of the inside of the door as outside the car, and you'll be in the ballpark

 

butyl tape is what you want to use to seal it all back up

ive been meaning to cut myself a new piece next time I work inside the door