1969 corvette carpet replacement

[Jerry B.]

Any advice on the reinstallation of the rubber plugs without punching a hole in end.

[Reba W.]

Re: 1969 corvette carpet replacement

I believe there have been several threads in the past about various techniques used. We have always taken an awl and made the hole in the carpet before pushing the plug.

[Jim T.]

Re: 1969 corvette carpet replacement

Pulling on the plug from the opposite side from under the car will usually work.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: 1969 corvette carpet replacement

Jerry,
Attached is a simple tool I made from an old awl that I have used many times and it works great. First I ground off the point so that the end was about 1/8" thick. Then I found a fender washer that would slide up on the shaft about an inch and a half. You will need to experiment with different washers that may have different hole sizes to get the right fit for your awl. I was using original carpet fasteners which may be different from reproductions. As long as the fender washer prevents the tool from pushing the front end of the fastener too much so that it won't break it. Use the most slippery lubricant you can find. Just push the fastener through the hole. Worked for me every time.
Jeff

[Terry M.]

Re: 1969 corvette carpet replacement

I remember John Hinckley posting that they heated the plugs with a heat lamp prior to installation and then had someone on the reverse side with a pair of pliers to pull on the point of the plug. Surely lubricant would help also.

[John H.]

Re: 1969 corvette carpet replacement

I remember John Hinckley posting that they heated the plugs with a heat lamp prior to installation and then had someone on the reverse side with a pair of pliers to pull on the point of the plug. Surely lubricant would help also.

Terry -

Yup, and dipped them in a 50-50 solution of Joy soap and water; also used a tool similar to the one in Jeff's photo.

[Don W.]

Re: 1969 corvette carpet replacement

What I did was use a punch from a chisel set the size of the hole in the rubber; throw the rubber plugs in a pot of boiling water for a few, pull one out with tongs, dry it off with a paper towel; dip it in a cup with 50/50 dish soap and water for lube, and then tap it into place with the punch. I broke 1 or 2 during the process; so you can buy a few extra. 2 people with a lift and push : pull activity also works...Don

[Terry M.]

Re: 1969 corvette carpet replacement

I keep telling my students that almost everything goes better with the proper lubrication.