Foam around gas tank

[Jim Juhas <james.f.juhas@snet.net>]

I discovered some mice that moved in to my TR6 and made a home out of 
some foam rubber that surrounds the gas tank.  Mostly at the sides.  
What purpose does it serve besides making a mouse nest?  I've pulled it 
out, along with a few dead rodents, and it seems it is to deaden sound 
more than anything else. 

I'm new to this TR6 stuff, just now getting around to this '73 I bought 
LAST year while vending at LRP over the Labor Day weekend.

Thanks.