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Topic: Seat belts, seat belt covers and carpeting

in Forum: C3 Interior


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Seat belts, seat belt covers and carpeting (1/4)
 10/10/16 1:54pm
persico
Standard Member
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Long Valley, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1972 454 Coupe, 4 speed, Targa Blue with blue interior, luggage rack 2019 Grand Sport Coupe, M7, Ceramic Matrix Gray with gray interior


Joined: 3/21/2007
Posts: 292

I've read on this forum that some folks have the carpet cut out under their seats where the seat belt and seat belt covers bolt down.  I have a 1972 coupe and I think it still had the original carpet.  The plastic seat belt covers (cover the retractor under the seats) were missing but the carpet was not cut, the seat belt was bolted through the carpet.  When I put in my new carpet from ACC, it was not cut out in this area, but when I install the seat belts it makes the carpet pucker.  Anyone have a 72 that can tell me how their seat belts/ carpeting is installed?  Thanks.

PS  Been a while since I've seen this thing togehther and I don't remember how the door sills fit, does the edge with the 45 degree bevel face the interior?  Thanks!


______________

Mario

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Re: Seat belts, seat belt covers and carpeting (2/4)
 10/10/16 9:11pm
Vman73
Former Member

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Gig Harbor, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1973 L82 4 Speed Coupe - Very original, well documented driver/survivor. 2016 Bend Regional NCRS Top Flight.


Joined: 10/2/2014
Posts: 405

Mario - browsing through the '72 Assembly Manual and it looks like your carpet/SB retractors are the same as my '73. My carpet was original when removed and it was cut out underneath the plastic covers to clear the retractors. I installed my new carpet, also ACC, with the same cut-outs and the plastic covers installed. There is a 3/4 to 1" lip on the edge of the cover and that's how far the carpet underlaps the plastic cover. My suggestion would be to find a set of covers, cut out the carpet and install. I think that's the best way the carpet is going to lay down properly and not bind up on the underside of your seat. If you can find a set of covers, lay the carpet down as close as you can get it, use a couple of sharp punches or other to poke up through the holes in the floor where the covers screw down. Lay the covers over the carpet using the punches to locate the cover properly. Use some masking tape to outline the outer edge of the cover on the new carpet. Remove the cover and cut the carpet 1" inside of your masking tape. I've used this method on a couple of cars and it works great. Also remember that the rear seat bolts and frame go on top of the carpet and the fronts go underneath the carpet. The factory cut a U shaped flap that hinged forward to allow installation of the front bolts then it flapped back to cover the front bolts and seat mount. Regarding the sill plates, yes the longer beveled edge you describe goes towards the interior of the car. Good luck and I hope this helps out !!

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John Sigmund
valkman57@sbcglobal.net
NCRS Member 61302
NW NCRS Chapter Member



Duct tape is the new Black !!
Re: Seat belts, seat belt covers and carpeting (3/4)
 10/11/16 4:56pm
persico
Standard Member
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Long Valley, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1972 454 Coupe, 4 speed, Targa Blue with blue interior, luggage rack 2019 Grand Sport Coupe, M7, Ceramic Matrix Gray with gray interior


Joined: 3/21/2007
Posts: 292

Thanks, great advice especially on the seat bolting which I have not done yet!  Question though, I was able to get the carpet fairly smooth under the seats without cutting out the area for the seat belt and seat belt covers.  Is there any disadvantage to leaving it this way, perhaps a clearance issue with the bottom of the seats?  If not I may just leave it for the added insulation.

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Mario

Re: Seat belts, seat belt covers and carpeting (4/4)
 10/14/16 8:12pm
Vman73
Former Member

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Gig Harbor, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1973 L82 4 Speed Coupe - Very original, well documented driver/survivor. 2016 Bend Regional NCRS Top Flight.


Joined: 10/2/2014
Posts: 405

If you've got it flat enough so it doesn't snag the underside of your seat, you might be okay. The only other thing I'd keep an eye out for is whether or not the SB retractor snags the underside of the carpeting or insulation if it's glued to the backside. Good luck getting it all back together !!

______________
John Sigmund
valkman57@sbcglobal.net
NCRS Member 61302
NW NCRS Chapter Member



Duct tape is the new Black !!
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