I have looked through the threads and searched carpet installation and cannot find an article on how to install new carpet. Anyone have good instructions or a link? Oh, and this is for a 70 GS with auto with a console. Thanks.....
Easy. Remove center console, seats (front and back), kick panels, toe board, sill trim and lap belts. Remove old carpet. Be careful not to disturb the mouse turds, they can add a lot of value if they are date correct. Install new carpet. Reverse procedure.
Just like BUICKRAT described above. Carpet is usually molded to the shape of the floor. Getting a chance to lay it flat for a couple days helps get the wrinkles out. Don't make any trim cuts at the door sills until the very last step.
Thanks, I was planning on carefully removing the mouse turds and putting them back as original anyway to preserve history :laugh:. Does it (the carpet, not the turds) need to be glued? Also does the carpet on the kick panels come with the kits, or is it something that no one sells?
No adhesives necessary. While the old carpet is out you'll have a chance to get a good look at the floor pans. Some also take the opportunity & install some sound deadener as well. Can't remember how much scrap remained after install. You might get enough for the kick panels, my '71 didn't have carpet on the kick panels. Possibly you can get some very clean scraps from the old set, under the seats, & use them on the kick panels.
When you need to make holes for the seat mounting and seat belts. Heat up a center punch, and from the underside pass it up through the nut welded on the body into the carpet. It will melt a nice hole on location, instead of using a drill, and ripping and twisting the carpet up on the drill bit.
I am about to put new carpet in my 72 Skylark. For the seat brackets - just a bolt hole and the bracket lays on top of the carpet, or is the carpet flapped and sort of pays over the bracket? Mark
The seat tracks did not sit on the carpet. A small flap covered the bolts, and the carpet was usually split to the end. It's hard to describe. There was an online article w/ excellent pics, but it's gone now.
I think I got you. I replaced the carpet a short time ago and cut flaps in it to allow the track to contact the metal floorboard, and the flap sorta covered the bolt. Is that what you mean? Mark
Yes...that's it, that's how they were. It looks better than just sticking the tracks on the carpet. Better still if you paint your tracks if rusted.
Also is your car AC? AC cars used an insulation pad under the carpet. I suggest using them under all carpets. The carpet will fit better. The tend to bulge more without it. I get them at pep boys. The sell a foil back insulation pad. Cut a piece for each side. Slice it so it goes partially over the trans hump It was used only in the front. Cut it out under the gas pedal so not to interfere. The original was fiberglass and it usually is trash. The assembly manual says foil goes up.
I'm non-AC but was going to get the pad from OPGI and the carpet with the jute from Legendary. Unless someone has a better source with the correct Burnished Saddle for a 70...
I don't know about a source, but there are only two makers- ACC and Trim Parts. 80-20 nylon loop. If you buy it from Legendary you're likely to pay more. You can find it on fleabay and whoever you buy it from will have it drop shipped. Takes 3-4 weeks. Then you'll find out it's not as easy as " remove and install". My respects go to the guys who restore cars and the work it takes to properly put in carpet and make it look good. It's an art. Tried the tricks, tried the heat gun, tried it all and I wound up redying my old carpet and reinstalling. It wasn't too bad in the first place. Wasted 180.00. Live and learn! Good luck with your project though! Yours might not turn out like this, but this is my personal experiance. :TU:
Is it an issue to use an insulation pad AND a jute backed carpet? To me that would be quite a bit under the carpet, making it overall much thicker.... Mark
Nope, I have done it every time with the jute padded carpet and the foil backed insulation. I am talking at least 5 cars. They make the carpet more bulky than it was original. Get the insulation pad local. I got it at Pep Boys. Why pay shipping? Also goolge discount ACC carpets. There are some good deals out there.
Well ok! That will be my winter project when the weather turns. Right now I am done with the list of mods I wanted to do - she goes in today to hopefully get the AC working and then after a good wash n wax it's time to cruise! Mark
