64 Convertible Carpet Install

[Tim D.]

I am getting ready to install my carpet in my 64 convertible restoration. I am most focused on significantly reducing heat and noise rather than originality since none of this will "show". I want to have as cool, quiet/tight car as a 64 will allow. I have new black carpet from Al Knock. Questions for those in the know:

1. What product do you recommend for heat reduction?

"Koolmat" is fiberglass bonded to silicone, withstands temps up to 1100
degrees, as well as lowers sound levels by 23 decibels. Fits under
carpet and is approximately 5/64" thick, used by NASCAR (sold by
Paragon) OR

"Heat Barrier Kits" made from ceramic cloth backed by reinforced foil,
will reduce interior temp by 50%, thermal rated at 2100 degrees, 1/8"
thick (sold by Paragon and Corvette Central and many others).

2. Do I use a jute backing carpet padding/sound deadener kit in addition
to one of the heat barrier types listed above?

3. If I use one of the types of heat shield and jute backing under the
carpet, will it still fit properly?

4. What is the order of installation? In other words, what goes on the
floor first, then what is on top of that? ....... then obviously the carpet
goes on top of everything.

5. What gets glued to what? Is everything glued to each other, layer by
layer, or do some things just get laid down in place without glue?

6. Where is the best place to start (front or rear) and what is the best
way to fit everything and get it glued so it sticks in the right place
the first time. I'm assuming once it sticks, it can't be readjusted.

Any thoughts, tricks you have learned etc., would greatly be appreciated. I will search the archives as well. Thanks, Tim

[Alan D.]

Re: 64 Convertible Carpet Install

There is also some thin stuff which is lead covered both sides with foil, sorry do not know name. Reduces sound and heat - a lot! Since the other two barriers you mentioned are also very thin I would put down first then entire carpet with the gray foam on it - no jute, at least on a Mar64 conv.

[Tim D.]

Re: 64 Convertible Carpet Install

Alan, Thanks for your reply, I really appreciate it. So your 64 didn't have any jute backing, eh? I don't have anything to copy off of on mine. The original carpet and underlayment are long gone.

I was reading my 64 Judging Manual today and it states that no jute padding was used on any 64 carpet. Does that sound right to all of you in the know?

In that case, I guess I'm looking at putting down a heat shield on the bare floor and then laying the carpet directly on top of that without and jute padding. Any thoughts are appreciated.

Today I received two excellent articles. One on 64 carpet install and the other on "Keeping It Cool" (heat barrier comparisions).

Thanks, Tim (# 50796)

[Alan D.]

Re: 64 Convertible Carpet Install

Tim,
Of the few original 64's I've looked at none had jute so follow the JG. The JG also shows the correct under seat cuts.

Caution when looking for replacement carpeting. The side heal pad is very different from the 63 version which is/was included on all 63/64 carpets. (Al Knoch knows about the difference, but last time I contacted them his staff had no idea what I talking about, Al did)
The cut by the gas pedal linkage on that same tunnel carpet section is also an incorrect feature - do have some information on correct cut (that's my opion & not sactioned by NCRS)

As for the correct 80/20 you'll not going to find anyone who has correct carpet, "corn row" pattern wise. However if you know anyone in your area that has been in business since the 60/70 they may have some old stuff in the back room.

There are some minor incorrect finishes with the rear carpets, not sure of who is making them wrong, but can be fixed before you install.

[Timothy B.]

Re: 64 Convertible Carpet Install

Tim,

Just a suggestion but do you have the correct heat shields installed on the exhaust pipes. I may be wrong but jute padding was not installed to keep heat down. FWIW, my 67 has padding and (I think) it has a black backing so heat could have been a issue. Floor never gets hot but I installed sidepipes so exhaust is re-routed.

I would put it together the way it's supposed to be, the carpet may fit better.

[Jean C.]

Re: 64 Convertible Carpet Install

Tim, a word to the wise. If you find it necessary to scrape old glue and rubber residue from the fiberglass floor pans, wear some kind of mask to avoid breathing the dust. I did not and paid the price but you can bet that if I ever do that task again I'll take proper precautions.

I did not install jute padding in my '64.

Best regards,

[Tim D.]

Re: 64 Convertible Carpet Install

Alan, Tim and Charlie,

A big thanks to all of you for your input. I really appreciate your help and suggestions.

Sincerely,
Tim

[Steven B.]

Re: 64 Convertible Carpet Install

Tim, there were some posts the past year or two covering barriers.

Steve