Issue with new carpet in my 69

[Michael L.]

Guys,

I'm installing new carpet in my 69 resto (saddle color). It's been so long since I ordered the carpet so I'm not sure where I got but I thing Al Knock. the carpet looks good but it's a little short on the drivers side. With it positioned perfectly based on the rest of the carpet, the front of the carpet doesn't reach the height of the three grommets that are supposed to be installed under the pedals to retain the carpet. I foolishly cut the strips for the seat tracks already so I'm unable to relocate it anyway, but even if I didn't I still don't think it would reach. The most I could possibly move it without cheating the back, which since it is seen more than under the dash is more important to me, is maybe an inch or so which would still leave it a little short. At this point I'm debating what the best salvage option is. I guess I could order the drivers side again but would worry it won't match the rest of the carpet. another option was to place the plugs as best as possible for cosmetic appearances but that likely won't fool the judges. Anyone else have a similar issue? I would appreciate your thoughts on this.

Mike

[Mark E.]

Re: Issue with new carpet in my 69

We all have different budgets, but I would order new carpet and chalk up the cost to learning (still less expensive than having it done by a shop...).

It's about $300 for the entire interior set, so just the two front pieces should be significantly less. I would order both sides to ensure a good match. You won't notice a color shade difference with the rear carpet so that should be okay.

[Don L.]

Re: Issue with new carpet in my 69

Hi Michael. FWIW, my experience has almost all reproduction/replacement carpets short in the front, near the plugs. I’ve mentioned this to Al Knoch several times while visiting with him at Carlisle, etc. but the issue still seems to exist.

I did a work-around on mine by taking a piece of t******* (IIRC, from the rear waterfall area) and adding it to the front. I used home carpet splice tape to extend as needed and it worked just fine. I used the take out carpet for a pattern. Of course I took the usual judging deduct for NTFP carpeting at regional and National events, however, there was no deduct for the splice and the re-worked carpet reaches where the rubber plugs secure it to the floor/firewall as they should. The splice is really indiscernible when in place.

I’m not near my car until next week but if a photo will help, I’ll take one and post it for you.

Hope this helps.

EDIT: evidently,TDB censors don’t like the word “t r i m m i n g”. Sorry.

[Michael L.]

Re: Issue with new carpet in my 69

thanks Don. I have extra carpet already I could use because I previously ordered replacement front carpets because the first order came without the rear binding. I did go ahead and install the plugs already for cosmetic purposes. See attached pic. It's not the money issue in buying all new carpet it's time for me. I need to get the car finished in a few weeks so replacing both front carpets right now is not an option. Additionally, hearing from you that your carpet was short makes ordering new carpet pointless if it's going to be short again.

Front drivers carpet.jpg

[Michael L.]

Re: Issue with new carpet in my 69

I went ahead and spliced in a couple inches of carpet and installed the plugs in their proper position. It looks pretty good to my eye but its definitely not perfect. See attached pic. I'll see how it gets judged in the fall and decide whether or not to order a custom set that is longer than the standard.

Mike

carpet plugs.jpg