Need tips for carpet install

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Feb 24, 2011 | 09:11 AM

jcloving

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Dec 2010

Posts: 945

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From: Winston Salem NC

Need tips for carpet install

I need tips/tricks/wisdom for installing new carpet in my 76 Stingray.

I have already laid down new hushmat and reflectix. I still have my old carpet.

Thanks,

Feb 24, 2011 | 10:04 AM

75+78 Corvettes

Pro

Joined: Mar 2007

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From: Porter TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcloving

I need tips/tricks/wisdom for installing new carpet in my 76 Stingray.

I have already laid down new hushmat and reflectix. I still have my old carpet.

Thanks,

Lots of thread out there. Here's mine from another forum
Interior replacement thread

Start from the front and work your way back This way you will start with the easy part and finish with the hard by which time you will have the practice to do it right. Don't cut anything until it is glued down in place.

Feb 24, 2011 | 11:52 AM

7T1vette

Team Owner

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From: Crossville TN

Once you get the carpeting installed, use a very large stitching needle (for leather?), or a strightened paper clip with a sharpened end, to search for the holes that need to be made for the various fasteners (seat rail bolts, T-top strap holders, seat belts, etc.). Once found, mark that location with chalk or similar method, then use a pencil-type soldering iron to melt the hole where you need it. Keep water or fire extinguisher near...just in case. (I've never had one catch fire; but better safe than sorry.) Melting those holes is much better and cleaner than cutting them. P.S. Don't breathe the smoke!

Feb 24, 2011 | 12:08 PM

SanDiegoPaul

Race Director

Joined: Sep 2002

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From: San Diego - Deep Within The State of CONFUSION!

Wear knee pads! I remember the interior job on my '76 very well. I'd rather pull an engine. While apart, replace the foam seals in your ac/heater box and do the heater core too. There is no better time.

Feb 24, 2011 | 01:54 PM

Easy Mike

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From: Southbound

Cruise-In II Veteran

The diagrams in the AIM can be helpful. Not a How To, but a place to check every now and then.

Feb 24, 2011 | 02:03 PM

Alan 71

Team Owner

Joined: Sep 2006

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From: Westminster Maryland

Hi,
The most difficult pieces are the 2 over the rear wheel-wells. They take a lot of fitting and trimming.
I agree that you shouldnt cut anything until you're ABSOLUTELY sure; and then only a little bit at a time.
Also, 7T1's points about using a needle and a soldering-iron are the way to go.
Carpet can turn out really well if you take your time.
Regards,
Alan

Feb 24, 2011 | 05:26 PM

jcloving

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Dec 2010

Posts: 945

Likes: 10

From: Winston Salem NC

Thanks for the great tips. I will try them all.

Feb 24, 2011 | 07:01 PM

HamadUP

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 2,877

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From: Doha

St. Jude Donor '08

Also it is a good idea to put the carpets under the sun for a while so they become more flexible, that will make them much easier to lay them inside the car.