71 Carpet Replacement
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
71 Carpet Replacement
Hi guys,
I recently bought a nice driving corvette and it needs carpet. I dont have money now, and I am trying to find out a way for carpet that is cheap but will look all right. My budget is less that 100 bucks so any suggestions? I have thought about buying it buy yard and just fitting it myself but am not sure if this will work. Do any of you guys know about a good carpet replacement that will cover everything without paying over a hundred dollars?Thanks and any help is appreciated!
I recently bought a nice driving corvette and it needs carpet. I dont have money now, and I am trying to find out a way for carpet that is cheap but will look all right. My budget is less that 100 bucks so any suggestions? I have thought about buying it buy yard and just fitting it myself but am not sure if this will work. Do any of you guys know about a good carpet replacement that will cover everything without paying over a hundred dollars?Thanks and any help is appreciated!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 926
Likes: 2
From: Castle Rock CO
Sorry to say but a decent carpet kit for a 1971 Corvette is going to be about $300 bucks.
They are not that hard to replace yourself as long as you either buy a book or do alot of research on how to install it. While I have never done a carpet replacement I have seen a few videos on how to properly install carpets in a few different vintage cars. All Girls Garage did a show on it once on an El Camino so have a few other shows on the Velocity channel. If chicks can do so can you.
The main thing is triming the carpet once installed. Cut too short it will not be good. Sorry to say but you probably not be able to find used carpet in this model year in good shape.
They are not that hard to replace yourself as long as you either buy a book or do alot of research on how to install it. While I have never done a carpet replacement I have seen a few videos on how to properly install carpets in a few different vintage cars. All Girls Garage did a show on it once on an El Camino so have a few other shows on the Velocity channel. If chicks can do so can you.
The main thing is triming the carpet once installed. Cut too short it will not be good. Sorry to say but you probably not be able to find used carpet in this model year in good shape.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 926
Likes: 2
From: Castle Rock CO
Main thing when using a dye is get it clean and I have used Tuff Stuff in the past to clean the carpets and cloth seats than used a carpet cleaner like the Bissel Carpet cleaner to get the soap out with just plain water. Let it dry for a few days then use the dyes.
Last edited by MakoJoe; Sep 8, 2013 at 12:30 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,226
Likes: 4,313
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi vr,
I agree that dye might be your best option at this point.
The difficulty with just buying a piece of carpet is that the 2 rear wheel housing pieces, and the 2 front pieces, are vacuum formed. Trying to cut, bind, and sew, the flat carpet to fit the floor contours would be beyond the ability of most people except those at an auto interior shop.
Regards,
Alan
I agree that dye might be your best option at this point.
The difficulty with just buying a piece of carpet is that the 2 rear wheel housing pieces, and the 2 front pieces, are vacuum formed. Trying to cut, bind, and sew, the flat carpet to fit the floor contours would be beyond the ability of most people except those at an auto interior shop.
Regards,
Alan
Pro
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 691
Likes: 1
From: gilboa ny
Well it wouldnt win any prizes but I used a remnant to do the floor in my 70 nova back in high school. Unless you really looked close you couldnt tell.Did spend a day cutting fitting and tucking to get it right though,not including replacing seats and whatnot.
Lot of work, really depends on how much your time is worth,only saving $200, and youll probably "do it right" at some point down the road.
Lot of work, really depends on how much your time is worth,only saving $200, and youll probably "do it right" at some point down the road.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,390
Likes: 315
From: Belmont Michigan
You can buy the front or rear separately if that would work, you'd only spend half as much for now, but I'd probably only dare do that if you have a black interior (color match may not be perfect on say, red carpet if you buy the sets a year apart).
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