Carpeting
Thread Starter
Proud Hoosier
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: Greenville IN
Carpeting
I just ordered new carpeting for my '79 Vette. I plan on installing it myself. Do you have any suggestions or tips for how to make the installation look as professional as possible (short of having a professional do it!)?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Laying the carpet out in the sun for an hour or so really makes it easier to work with but if weather doesn't permit a heat gun or hair dryer will work too.
Have a sharp carpet knife handy for any trimming, as you will probably have to trim in the back, and on both front pieces.
It's not too bad of a project if you go slow and take your time with the fitting and cutting before you glue IF you glue.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,309
Likes: 24
From: Coastal Georgia
C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
Definitely lay it out beforehand and let it "settle" out some. Take your old carpet and use it as a bit of a template for the new ones, just to get you in the ballpark.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 856
Likes: 2
From: Tyler Texas
Thread Starter
Proud Hoosier
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: Greenville IN
Carpenting
Thanks for the help. I also purchased a heat/sound sheild kit. Do I need to glue the heat sheild and/or carpeting? Do I need any other kind of padding under the carpeting?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
The carpeting, depending on who made it, should have heat insulation or jute on the back of it.
If you ever plan to install a good stereo with a sub then now would be the best time to lay down a layer of Dynamat or a sound deadener of some kind.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,084
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From: Illinois
Just finishing installing carpet in my 71 coupe. Take your time--it took me much longer than I thought. I only glued down the vertical surface between the front and rear rea--behind the seats. Leave the carpet as long as possible especially where they overpal; use nails to mark all the bolt holes for the seats (replace the seats last). Put a heat insulating kit down first--bought mine versus making one from various matierla you can buy at home depot, etc; touch up any rust, worn wires, etc before replacing the carpet; and don't worry about the small uneven areas--they should disappear when the car gets hot in the sun and form to the shape of the area it covers.
