Carpet Install 1976 Corvette
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Joined: Oct 2008
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Carpet Install 1976 Corvette
I'm finally putting new carpets into my Vette. I removed them two years ago a don't remember where the seat belt covers go. Do they go under the carpet or over? I installed the carpet and put them on on top but it doesn't look right to me. Can anyone tell me or show a picture of the correct installation?
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 385
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From: Leesburg VA
When I bought my 74 the seatbelts were jammed and dry rotted so that was one of the first jobs I did. The covers were mounted on top of the carpet, which makes sense otherwise you would have to pull the carpet back to work on the belt retractor. I am not promising that is the factory correct configuration, but it is the way my car was set up...and the belts appeared to be original.
John
John
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,241
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From: Okinawa Okinawa
Over the carpet is correct. Make sure you measure many times and cut the carpet less than you think on purpose so you get a good fit. Takes longer but better that than having to buy a new carpet set.
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Exactly! Give a EXTRA inch everywhere on the edges of the carpet because once it is pressed firmly into place---it seems to "gobble up" more than you planned on needing!
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Ok, so I need to cut the carpet below the plastic cover making sure there is enough excess so the cover holds it in place. I'm still a little confused because I see part of the plastic cover when looking down the side of the seat. I guess I need to trim the carpet to cover that part. I will step back and look again. Anyone with a picture with the seat removed???
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,022
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From: Lokeren, Belgium
Hi,
Here's a snapshot during my install. Note that you still see carpet in the slot where the seat belt passes through. I had to cut this away afterwords as the belt wouldn't retract.
Now you can see the metal loop .
Nick
Here's a snapshot during my install. Note that you still see carpet in the slot where the seat belt passes through. I had to cut this away afterwords as the belt wouldn't retract.
Now you can see the metal loop .
Nick
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From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Installed Camaro seat belts and they work fine but the box that goes over the belt kept the belt from retracting so I had to remove them.
I should have paid closer attention to where each screw came from. Had to make a few trips to the Depot to match the length, thread size and try to remember which went where.
I amazes me how anyone can do a frame off!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Yes Alan 71, the old carpet covered the bolt just like your picture.
Your attention to detail is truly the mark of a superior mind.
I had the tracks off to clean and paint and I lined up the holes but I would never have been smart enough to mask and then cut. Great tip!
My seat is on the carpet.
Thanks, Pete.
Your attention to detail is truly the mark of a superior mind.
I had the tracks off to clean and paint and I lined up the holes but I would never have been smart enough to mask and then cut. Great tip!
My seat is on the carpet.
Thanks, Pete.