Does anyone have any tips on installing new carpet, specifically around the tricky wheel wells, so that it hugs the contours of the wheel wells and not so darn loose? I realize they came that way from the factory as mine can illustrate, and about having patience and taking my time trimming, etc - but, from experience can anyone cut to the chase on specifically what it takes to make it appear nice and tight and not so sloppy loose, especially on the 78-82's which show everything through the large bubble glass? I've seen pictures so I know it can be done, but wondering how you've done it if very satisfied with your work. Dave

Btw, any other carpet installation tips (quality/appearance and time saving) you have personally found are very welcome to hear about for me and others. I believe I will lay down both, hush mat and reflectix on top of the hush mat when I soon install it, hoping there aren't many trade-offs with such a dual insulation for noise and heat abatement purposes. Thanks for help in the past.

 

Check these guys out. I bought some ultraPlush that is fantastic - way above OEM quality. Anyway here is their install instructions...

 

Yes - I also purchased the Ultra-plush from stock interiors. Not sure wh they are the only vendor that sells it because the same company produces it as the others which are definitely not the same as the OE weight/density. It is 24% thicker/denser and appears exactly what my car originally came with. I had to trim around the storage compartment doors a bit (just a bit) more for the frames to slip on properly, but look great.
I'm surprised no experts on the forum are giving up their secrets to making it tight around the wheel wells as I've seen. Perhaps a lot of 3M tacky glue.

 

The carpet is called Essex and made by ACC... It's no secret, but it's not correct. It can be ordered from us but only by calling in. While I can get this carpet I see no need to add a entire list of inventory numbers for each year and color for 3 sales a year. People just don't want this style carpet in the mass majority because it's not correct.

I have info on the rear humps and how to install them.... on stock correct carpet.

Willcox

 

Are you implying that the regular ACC carpet is correct? Because, for a fact it is not. Also, neither or you c/o ACC sell the original silver gray carpet - the factory original color has a bluish tint - neither you or ACC sells a matching color so if you are implying that you sell an ACC "correct" carpet that is incorrect as you do not. I received a sample of their "silver gray" and it does not match the color of the original interior (I bought it from the original owner with nothing except the oil and belts ever changed). The standard ACC carpet is a piece of felt in relationship to the original silver gray carpet, and the color of the upgraded plushness is identical. The plush product from ACC which you admittedly do not stock far more closely matches the OE carpet that originally came in my car. I can show you (attached pic), so not sure what you're referring to about "correct". Btw, Stock Interiors told me their sales which are much lower on the upgraded weight/thickness because of the cost. I asked them. But, they still sold 247 pcs. last year according to the sales rep, not the "3" that you reference so I'm not the only one who is trying to match their car's carpet to the original even without the "correct" color which nobody, including Willcox/ACC sells. Btw, I managed the accessories products for an OEM for 4 years and automotive carpets are rated on "weights" in the industry. The stock ACC carpet is approx. a 13 oz. weight. We only used this low weight on our base, entry level car floormats when I handled the line in the late 90's. My original C3 has approx. an 18 oz. carpet from the factory. The ultra plush appears to match the original carpet weight of my `82. The stock ACC carpet doesn't even come close (see attached photo of the stock ACC carpet vs. their Ultra plush). I can't speak for earlier years but the Corvette was always seen and fitted as a premium car. I greatly appreciate that you guys at Willcox are outstanding supporters of this Forum and I buy from you whenever I possibly can (check your records - my new steering wheel arrived today), but your note implies that I haven't done my homework. I certainly have. The shortcoming is with the standard ACC "silver gray" carpet, especially in standard weight and color match to an original `82 silver grey interior. If you know of a proper replacement solution, I will personally drive down to your facility and purchase ...and then hug you. Meanwhile, be careful about implying that you are capable of providing a "correct" replacement for the `82 Silver Grey C3 carpet.
respectfully,
David V.

 

Wow... you've taken this the wrong way... I wasn't implying anything other than the fact that ACC has plushier carpet called Essex.... and its thicker and heavier than the original carpets.

I'm in the middle of solving the color and fit issues on the 1968-1977 cars, I've not even started with the 1978-1982 cars but I do have tons of original samples when I do. (and that should be fairly soon).

Willcox

 

We count on your professional expertise😊Put me down for a plush (it IS the only available "correct" weight - you need to know that the other ACC stuff, as illustrated by my photo, is positively not correct, at least not for an '82, that's for sure. I would sure love to have the correct color - including the matching door panels - to go with this correct weight. I can provide you with a sample from my kick panels.
Regardless, I'm now interested in figuring out how to perfectly install around the wheel wells.

 

Thank you

I have boxes of original carpet samples we managed to store for years. It's almost a must... it keeps the carpet people in line!

I'd like to take you up on a sample of that carpet, I'd like to see and how it compares to my sample here. If you don't mind email me your address to support@willcoxcorvette.com and I'll have my shipping department send you a mailing label.

The original sample I have here I think is the perfect sample for your color because it is a NOS lh 14048313 rear storage compartment door which has the carpet on it. I wonder what color code was sent to you, the ACC code should be 8046 for your silver green carpet. (also batches change too, dye lots are always a few tiny shades either way so it's possible the lot changed since my sample was made).

Here is 4086 sitting on top of the original door. At first glace it looks good but there is a tiny bit of a difference.


In regards to having the essex as an option... Sure it's possible for us and I'm sure we don't sell that many based on the fact that we don't promote it or have it on the site. One reason is that you are limited to just 12 colors and another reason would be the cost. Our cost alone increases over 150.00 for the set.

Below is a picture of the essex carpet next to a GM next to ACC next to GM again. Obviously the essex is taller than the GM and I love the way it feels. Looking at the first picture below and looking for a difference between the original and the ACC carpet... I really don't see much difference in this picture...



So after taking that picture I had the idea to lay both carpets face down and yes there is a difference which was about the thickness of the plastic backing.



I own a low mileage original 78 and this car like yours, has had the EGR valve, plugs, and plug wires changed and that's it. The carpet in this car is the same thickness as the samples I posted, pictured below. This picture is from our facebook page in the factory flaws album. This is exactly the way the car was delivered new.



What makes this bad is all the major carpet manufacturers purchase their carpet from the exact same mill... Dorsett Industries in Dalton Georgia and the acc cutpile carpet set pile weight is 14 oz sq yd. and the 80/20 loop is 20 oz per sq yd.

How to fix the wheel wells..... Heat...

Heat the back side and it will soften when it cools it will stay where you put it.

Willcox