69 Carpet Plug Removal

[Michael C.]

I've read many posts about re-installation of carpet plugs/retainers, but not much about removal. There was some suggestion about working from outside to push them inward. Another about inserting a dowel into the plug's hole and pushing it to one side, while pulling on the plug. I haven't tried this yet because this person had 50% success. I hope to be more successful.

In my BB 69 with A/C I can barely see only one of the three plugs on the passenger side. No way to get any tool on it to push from the engine side. These are the original plugs and I really don't want to pull them apart. I've thought about trying to get some glycerin around the plug (on the inside) between the rubber and the firewall. This might just make it more difficult to grip and pull. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Mike

[Terry M.]

Re: 69 Carpet Plug Removal

I remember a thread about installation of the carpet holding plugs in which John Hinckley posted a picture of the fabricated tool the factory used for the install. Additionally, I believe they heated the plugs before installation. I would humbly suggest the best option for removal is using the factory installation methods. You may not have 100% success, however. Your factory installed plugs are now 45 years old. At 45 none of us were the same as when we were infants, and one ought not expect rubber plugs to be any different. If one broke on installation the assembly line installer was able to reach for another. We of course don't have that luxury.

[Michael C.]

Re: 69 Carpet Plug Removal

Terry,
I saw some of the fabricated tools and tips for installation. So are you saying there's no secret for removal and I should be prepared to made such a tool and follow the tips? In other words, suck it up and go for it.

Boy, would I be happy to be 45 again - and know what I know now! How many times has this been said - at various ages?

Mike

[Terry M.]

Re: 69 Carpet Plug Removal

Terry,
I saw some of the fabricated tools and tips for installation. So are you saying there's no secret for removal and I should be prepared to made such a tool and follow the tips? In other words, suck it up and go for it.

Boy, would I be happy to be 45 again - and know what I know now! How many times has this been said - at various ages?

Mike

I am not aware of any secret(s), but that doesn't mean there are none. I have heard of the use of two people, one inside and one outside - car elevated. I think warming the rubber is a key as well, but 45 years has created material deterioration and to expect 100% survival is to create an unreasonable expectation.