Topic: Need help/tips for installing carpet for 77
in Forum: C3 Interior
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I have purchased new carpet for my 77 and will be taking this job on myself. I would like to hear any tips/suggestions that all of you may have about doing this. Is there anything in particular that I need to be aware of and do I need any additional materials other than the carpet to make this job go smooth and easy. Thanks for all of you help, I greatly appreciate your time!
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Lifetime MemberGreensburg, IN - USA
Joined: 9/24/2003
Posts: 5188
Vette(s): Previous: 1984 Silver / Charcoal Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe / 1989 Artic White Coupe / 2001 Speedway White Roadster / Present:1976 Stingray Black / Black, Auto, 350 slightly modified (355 hp) Luxor Wires Redline Tires. / 1989 Roadster Bright Red...
Go Slowly and take a few digital pics along the way. This might help you to remember the way it fit before.
Once you get the old carpet out lay it over the back of the new carpet. You can do some trimming that will improve the way the new carpet will lay.
Some folks prefer to add heat sheild insullation underneath the carpet too. This can be cut to fit in the same manner desribed previously.
Main thing is don't get in a hurry and if you trim trim sparingly. It is always easier to trim multiple times than it is to add material back.
Here is a link that will give you some additional input and insight.
CARPET HELPER GOOD LUCK..... TUX...
Tuxblacray 2007-11-17 08:21:12
Once you get the old carpet out lay it over the back of the new carpet. You can do some trimming that will improve the way the new carpet will lay.
Some folks prefer to add heat sheild insullation underneath the carpet too. This can be cut to fit in the same manner desribed previously.
Main thing is don't get in a hurry and if you trim trim sparingly. It is always easier to trim multiple times than it is to add material back.
Here is a link that will give you some additional input and insight.
CARPET HELPER GOOD LUCK..... TUX...
The new carpet lays down much easier when it is warm. Usually people do the carpet in the spring or summer when they can lay the new stuff out the driveway for an hour or so. The new carpet then lays into the contours of the floor board much easier resulting in a much cleaner fit.
Scott
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
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Take yer time is most important. Once you have the new carpets, lay them out, preferably in the sun, to help get wrinkles and creases out. It also helps when trying to "mold" them into shape. You definitely want to match them up with the old, to make sure the new has extra material for trimming.
A heat gun will help with some areas to smooth the carpet into corners and such.
You'll prolly need to get some 3M spray adhesive...some areas need to be glued, such as the piece that goes on the bulkhead directly behind the seats, the rear bulkhead, and the sides of the console area.
While your there, now would be the perfect time to add heat insulation/barrier. You can get it at home improvement stores(Home Depot/Lowes, etc. Installing the heat barrier will take longer than installing the carpet, so plan accordingly. The barrier will have to be glued into place, so the 3M adhesive will be needed. Also, using the silver, foil-like duct tape(not the normal, stretchy type) will seal all of the joints in the barrier
Don't cut anything until you're sure it is in the right place, and adjusted/fits properly. Like Tuxdude says, it's not too easy to add carpet back.
It all comes down to just taking it slow, and paying attention to the details. Good fitting rugs make the car look so much nicer, and one of the easiest improvements you can make!
God luck!
A heat gun will help with some areas to smooth the carpet into corners and such.
You'll prolly need to get some 3M spray adhesive...some areas need to be glued, such as the piece that goes on the bulkhead directly behind the seats, the rear bulkhead, and the sides of the console area.
While your there, now would be the perfect time to add heat insulation/barrier. You can get it at home improvement stores(Home Depot/Lowes, etc. Installing the heat barrier will take longer than installing the carpet, so plan accordingly. The barrier will have to be glued into place, so the 3M adhesive will be needed. Also, using the silver, foil-like duct tape(not the normal, stretchy type) will seal all of the joints in the barrier
Don't cut anything until you're sure it is in the right place, and adjusted/fits properly. Like Tuxdude says, it's not too easy to add carpet back.
It all comes down to just taking it slow, and paying attention to the details. Good fitting rugs make the car look so much nicer, and one of the easiest improvements you can make!
God luck!
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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Wish I had been a member of C3 and had Adams advise when I installed mine. Look OK but probably would have gone better. Hey Adam I remember when I bought mine for my 75. The set came from a major seller but I noticed the carpet did quite go up far enough up the firewall on the pass side (a little short). Is this common? Or did I just not get the best set available? Thanks
Guy
Did mine two summers ago. Installed the high-tech heat and noise barrier that was developed by NASCAR. Really made a difference, like wrapping your house in Tyvek. My biggest mistake was not trimming in small enough increments on the tunnel trim boards. I also installed all new speakers, and the rears have huge magnets, so the fit is not so great. Used spare carpet to make fillers. Good luck and enjoy the results!
I agree with all the comments above. Good advice.
I too am replacing my carpet in my "77. I have shopped and looked around at what you are getting for your money and I am most impressed with what Mid America Motor Works has to offer.
It is pretty much pre-cut and pre-trimmed (you will have to trim some) and in addition preformed for your particular year.
They pretty much guarantee a color match to your original. It comes with the heat shield and the fabric itself is of a very high quality.
You can contact http://www.stlc3sharks.com the St. Louis C3 Sharks and they will confirm.
I had the opportunity to tour their facilities with a Corvette group from the St Louis area about two weeks ago and it is quite impressive.
I realize that I sound like an advertisement for them, but what I have said is true
Check them out before you purchase by price only.
in Forum: C3 Interior
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