19Tyler74

Hey all,

Had a question regarding the installation of carpet for the front portion on a 1974.

Mice had eaten the previous set of carpet and it was tossed out - I never got to see what it looked like... thus I was wondering if upon install one is supposed to cut out a hole where the seat belt cover goes... I have the carpet in place and currently sitting over top of them with slots cut for the actual seatbelt to come through - any issues with this route?
I figure the door sills, console, and seat tracks would hold the carpet in place enough.

thanks!

Duke94

Not sure what you mean. Do you mean the belt retractor that is under the seat? (I'm looking at a 75' AIM, so I'm not sure about your 74'). The 75' shows a hole punched in the carpet for the mounting bolt and the retractor on top of the carpet.

Gary

Peterbuilt

Hard to tell from the AIM but it looks like the cover is on top of the carpet.


For me I just bolted the retractor to the floor and put the carpet over it.
I never had any plastic covers.

SmokedTires

Carpet install tip: Ice pick good for locating mounting holes for seats, ect,.

oldsarge

I think you are talking , at the outside edge, just below the sill plate, at the door.
I left the carpet loose, just by the belts at the door sill. It seems to be working fine that way. I do believe I trimed just a little to clear the belts.

19Tyler74

Thanks for the replies...
Basically what I am saying my approach in order would be: seat belts bolted on ---> seat belt cover ---> insulation ---> carpet - thus there would be nothing visable under the seats but the carpet. I had noticed for 1975 carpet kits there was actually a square area cut out for the seat belts etc - but not for the 74... and once again I have no idea as I didn't see the original.

7T1vette

The posted sheet from the AIM details how the factory would install that stuff. Look over that sheet very carefully; read any notes that are called-out on the page. These instructions are usually very complete, if you read them thoroughly.

As I read it, there is a cut-out section in the carpeting for the seat belt components. I think that would best be accomplished by loosely installing that cover in place without the carpeting, then tracing the outline of that cover on the floor. Then install the carpeting, making certain that you press it down firmly in all recesses so that it lays in its final position. Now, find the starting point of your cover outline and cut the carpeting so that there is an adequate amount of carpeting to fit under the edge of the cover all the way around. Now, make your final assembly. P.S. I agree with the ice pick or large sewing needle to poke through the carpeting to find the various fastener holes. You can put a chalk mark on the surface of the carpet where that hole will be near, but you'll need to search with a 'probe' to find the exact location.

Mike Ward

If you're trying to replicate the factory installation, the carpet is cut away from the seat belt assembly and belt path completely to avoid hindering the belt movement.

The cover secures the edge of the carpet to the floor around the periphery of the belt compartment on three sides, and the fourth side facing the side of the car is left open.

In other words, a big U-shaped bite is removed from the carpet.

7T1vette

That's what it looked like to me in that AIM drawing...

Alan 71

Hi,
I agree.
It looks like the carpet cut needs to be just big enough so cover assembly traps the cut edge and finshes it.
Regards,
Alan

Paul L

I'll try this one (1974). Feel free to criticize.

Mike Ward

Paul! You forgot to put the seats back in!

Looks great to me.

Paul L

Yes, I forgot that part along with many things that followed. Anyone want to talk about heater cores?

19Tyler74

Thanks Paul - the pictures were a huge help!
I ended up following your suggested route - appreciate the help everyone!

TeaEye

I know this is an old POST, But I was stumped on what to do with the carpet that goes under the seat belt assembly. It is NOT form fitted to neatly outline recess in the floor. Those pictures and the U shaped cut solved my problem!! Thank you.