Topic: Deluxe Interior Carpet Install on 71 C3
in Forum: C3 Interior
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Hey all! Been busy driving my 71 alot- getting time to put new carpet in.
My orginal carpet (and mats) are pretty ratty looking- completely gone on passenger side. The rest of the interior is in great shape.
When I bought it, I did get a 2 piece carpet kit (jute underlayment attached) as well as the reflective insulation pieces. I think it's Mid America or some other place like that.
I'm told they were correct.
I have the deluxe leather with custom woodgrain interior and carpet on doors.
I've read the deluxe interior had a fuzzier, almost not as thick texture carpet.
I only have the drivers piece and passenger piece- that's fine. My package tray area isn't in too bad a shape so i can get away with just taking the seats out and seat belts.
I did a search on the site for any pointers and ideas.
I've installed carpet on my 69 malibu and a few other cars- but not a Vette.
Any suggestions?
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Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
The "Deluxe" interior carpeting would be a "plush, cut-pile" carpet, not a woven, loop style.
If what you got with the car matches the rear carpet, go for it! 
Lay the stuff out in the sun for a while before trying to install it...this certainly makes it easier to work it around. Make sure it is all in the correct location before cutting/trimming...be careful removing the kick panels on the sides of the floor, where the vent areas are. Those plastic pieces are really brittle, and break fairly easily.
Other than that, just take your time, and it should turn out fine.
If what you got with the car matches the rear carpet, go for it! Lay the stuff out in the sun for a while before trying to install it...this certainly makes it easier to work it around. Make sure it is all in the correct location before cutting/trimming...be careful removing the kick panels on the sides of the floor, where the vent areas are. Those plastic pieces are really brittle, and break fairly easily.
Other than that, just take your time, and it should turn out fine.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
You do not have to remove the shifter console for the carpeting, but it does make it a little easier. You can install the carpet with the console in place, and tuck it up under the edge of the console. 
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
in Forum: C3 Interior
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