Winter Project - 67 Carpet Replacement

[Kirk M.]

Hey Guys,

Just trying to get some information on my winter project - removing the old carpet and underlayment and replacing with new carpet and underlayment.


Who is currently making the best fitting "original" style carpet for my 67 roadster?

What is the best underlayment to use? I would like to have the car judged, so can I use anything but the jute? Again, best supplier?

I have searched the archives and there seems to be a great deal of confusion on suppliers and it seems to have changed over time. Hence my questions now. Please keep the abbreviations of suppliers to a minimum since I may not be familiar with all of them

Thanks.

Kirk McHugh

[Kirk M.]

Re: Winter Project - 67 Carpet Replacement

Guess no one has any suggestions?

[Ridge K.]

Re: Winter Project - 67 Carpet Replacement

Kirk, I am facing the same issue coming up with the restoration of my 1967. As you know, there are several quality suppliers who advertise in NCRS publications, and therefore support our club. Possibly, some do not wish to recommend one supplier over another on the TDB.

Just last September there was a very good thread discussing the finer points of a near-perfect installation.
Search for: 67 Carpet Cuts Revisited
This was a very interesting discussion. Hope others may throw in some help for you. Best of luck, Ridge.

[Gary S.]

Re: Winter Project - 67 Carpet Replacement

When I replaced the original (?) carpet in my 66 convertible, I used Al Knoch and I was very happy with the look, the fit, and the construction of the product. My original carpet was so ratty that the few pieces under the seat were my best comparison. Do a search in the archives on this site and you will find LOTS of information on carpets and installation techniques. Fwiw, my carpet replacement didn't take more than a day or so, and that was measuring and dry fitting several times before I cut it.

Gary

[Gerard F.]

Re: Winter Project - 67 Carpet Replacement

Kirk,

Not too sure about that jute backing. When I redid the original carpeting on my 67 about 7-8 years ago, all I found under the carpet was a rubberized sound deadening material. Maybe it had a little jute on the back.

But I just cleaned it up and then glued it back, but over a thin foam backed foil insulation material.

If you are redoing your original carpets, take plenty of pictures of the originals and save them (especially the kick panels). I threw mine out (except the kick panels).

Use the one's you take off to do the preliminary cuts on the new. Then test fit them. Special attention to the cut along center console. Although they may seem to lay down and fit tight, use plenty of glue between the carpeting and sound deadening, and sound deadening to insulation, and likewise to the underfloor. You also could use some padding along the console, but I think the judges look more for a firm tight finish, rather than a cushy one.

As far as suppliers, I think the carpet all probably comes from the same manufacturer these days. As far as fitting and moulding, I think Al Knoch as well as Auto Custom Carpets have a good reputation.

I recently re-did my 67 fronts and ordered a front set from Corvette America. They came in an ACC box and at a cheaper price than from ACC.
Pretty happy with that last front set. They judged very well.

I got the seat track carpet cuts correct this time, see the thread in the archives.

[Joe R.]

Re: Winter Project - 67 Carpet Replacement

Kirk,

Really, there is NO perfect carpet AND the carpet that was originally installed was not perfect either.

There is not a piece of carpet alive that an NCRS judge can't complain about. That includes yours truly!

Pick a company and then work with the carpet to make it fit as good as possible.

That's your only hope!

JR

[Kirk M.]

Re: Winter Project - 67 Carpet Replacement

Kirk,

Not too sure about that jute backing. When I redid the original carpeting on my 67 about 7-8 years ago, all I found under the carpet was a rubberized sound deadening material. Maybe it had a little jute on the back.

But I just cleaned it up and then glued it back, but over a thin foam backed foil insulation material.

If you are redoing your original carpets, take plenty of pictures of the originals and save them (especially the kick panels). I threw mine out (except the kick panels).

Use the one's you take off to do the preliminary cuts on the new. Then test fit them. Special attention to the cut along center console. Although they may seem to lay down and fit tight, use plenty of glue between the carpeting and sound deadening, and sound deadening to insulation, and likewise to the underfloor. You also could use some padding along the console, but I think the judges look more for a firm tight finish, rather than a cushy one.

As far as suppliers, I think the carpet all probably comes from the same manufacturer these days. As far as fitting and moulding, I think Al Knoch as well as Auto Custom Carpets have a good reputation.

I recently re-did my 67 fronts and ordered a front set from Corvette America. They came in an ACC box and at a cheaper price than from ACC.
Pretty happy with that last front set. They judged very well.

I got the seat track carpet cuts correct this time, see the thread in the archives.

Thanks Jerry. I will be using your last thread about carpet cuts to help make mine. My carpet is definitely not original so I am not too concerned about tearing it out. Seems like a nice pair of articles is coming out in the Restorer next month regarding carpet and backing materials. Good timing for me.