Installing Entire Carpet Kits
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 263
Likes: 75
From: MN
Installing Entire Carpet Kits
Looking at a few complete carpet kits from different vendors and have a question. Seems when purchasing the entire package you receive everything for front and back and also a a 18X80 section to replace pieces on the door panel and the pockets. Looking at my '79, those pieces are part of, or sewn in the door panels and not something easily replaced. Question is what has anyone else done to replace these pieces and make it look legit? Thanks!
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,062
Likes: 104
From: Southeast, Tennessee
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '26
i bought from wilcox when i bought all the interior replacement parts. give them a call. they are very professional, know their stuff and are very willing to answer questions and help out to insure you are satisfied with what you buy. they are a supporting vendor here at the forum.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 4
From: Oakland California
i bought from wilcox when i bought all the interior replacement parts. give them a call. they are very professional, know their stuff and are very willing to answer questions and help out to insure you are satisfied with what you buy. they are a supporting vendor here at the forum.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 263
Likes: 75
From: MN
Anyone with first hand experience with this problem and what they did to solve it? I checked Wilcox and it appears from their web site that their carpet set does not include any addition material for the door bottoms.
Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,442
Likes: 2
From: Flanders NJ
I got mine from Willcox and it had all the pieces precut, including the seat backs & kick panels, but not the door bottoms, I got new door panels (with the door carpet as one piece).
Willcox was excellent, with price, quality and service.
Good luck,
Dave
Willcox was excellent, with price, quality and service.
Good luck,
Dave
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
From: Tolland CT
How did the door panels fit? Did they seat well without modifications to the door or panel? Fit flush with the door? What kind of backing, paper or plastic?
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Lots of folks purchase replacement door panels.
How ratty is the carpet on the door panels? Would it be respectable after a good cleaning?
If memory serves, the stock stuff is glued to the door panel trim. Map pockets might have trim screws/clips holding them on.
How ratty is the carpet on the door panels? Would it be respectable after a good cleaning?
If memory serves, the stock stuff is glued to the door panel trim. Map pockets might have trim screws/clips holding them on.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
From: Tolland CT
I got burned by some POORLY made Al Knoch panels bought in the early 90's. No way they'll fit. The plate with the hole for the lock shaft sits about 1/4" too high. The lock shaft will not line up. Both ends of the top of the panel were seated to the top of the door so it does not appear to be a seating issue. Al Knoch declined to do anything for me since there were many years between the time I bought them to when I tried to install. I noted the contour of the top of the door has a shallower dip than the originals. Took photos with measurements to prove it. This could be why the panel doesn't line up properly.
I've also heard complaints of the plastic backed panels warping.
I'm not in a hurry to buy any more panels at this time. When the time comes I want to be very sure the panels are not junk as I hear many are. I'd insist on a money back guarantee if they will not fit. Better yet would be to have the vendor install them as I hear some do at Carlisle if arrangements are made ahead of time.
My original panels fit OK other than being warped.
I've also heard complaints of the plastic backed panels warping.
I'm not in a hurry to buy any more panels at this time. When the time comes I want to be very sure the panels are not junk as I hear many are. I'd insist on a money back guarantee if they will not fit. Better yet would be to have the vendor install them as I hear some do at Carlisle if arrangements are made ahead of time.
My original panels fit OK other than being warped.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,485
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From: Peekskill NY
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
From: Tolland CT
Thanks, good to know.
I recall having several problems with the Al Knoch interior. Sent one door panel back for replacement when I found the trim ring had major problems with the plating. Wish I had test fitted them back then. I had faith in them based on their reputation, didn't try to install until early last summer. Seat upholstery had a seam which was made wrong, carpets which cover the wheel wells fit poorly. Only good part was the carpets had plenty of extra material.
It seems Al Knoch had a period where they turned out a very poor quality product, around 1994. Feedback I hear now suggests this has changed?
I'll keep Willcox in mind when time comes for me to look for another pair of door panels.
I recall having several problems with the Al Knoch interior. Sent one door panel back for replacement when I found the trim ring had major problems with the plating. Wish I had test fitted them back then. I had faith in them based on their reputation, didn't try to install until early last summer. Seat upholstery had a seam which was made wrong, carpets which cover the wheel wells fit poorly. Only good part was the carpets had plenty of extra material.
It seems Al Knoch had a period where they turned out a very poor quality product, around 1994. Feedback I hear now suggests this has changed?
I'll keep Willcox in mind when time comes for me to look for another pair of door panels.
