Possible C3 Carpet Improvements - NEED HELP

[Alan S.]

Re: Possible C3 Carpet Improvements - NEED HELP

Hi Mike,
I understand your thoughts about the seat track mounting cut-outs.
While you can use the original carpet as a guide to cut-out size, I wouldn't use it as a guide to location. If you cut the holes first you'll be forced to place it in only one position.
I think it's better to fit and trim the carpet completely, and then use the seat tracks to locate where the cut-outs need to be.
Perhaps this is what you intended but I thought I better offer the caution.
Regards,
Alan

[Mike Z.]

Re: Possible C3 Carpet Improvements - NEED HELP

Agreed, I learned on my several 66 builds that the configuration of the cut is important to obtain from the original carpet, not necessarily the location. This is my first C-3 after several C-2's, so I am proceeding with caution. Thanks for your concern.
Mike

[Don L.]

Re: Possible C3 Carpet Improvements - NEED HELP

Don-I was planning on donating to the cause, I would not use the carpet. I would like to keep the section under the seat to make the seat mounting holes, but could cut the front half off. You are correct, there is not a dimmer grommet-there is however a piece of vinyl 5.5" and 1.25" at one end and 1.5" at the top end; located near the top left corner about where a dimmer switch would be. This stripe of vinyl is sewn into the carpet. If you want to make contact with Al to confirm and let me know, I would be happy to ship to him, or call me with instructions.
Mike
505-717-1140

Thanks so much Mike! It was a pleasure speaking with you. Your 1970 components will go to Al Knoch as a model for '70, '71. I'll contact A. Knoch tomorrow.

Folks, any '68/9 and '72's out there to complete the early C3 effort?

[Don L.]

Re: Possible C3 Carpet Improvements - NEED HELP

UPDATE:

I have received Mike's original blue 1970 carpet (thanks again Mike) and it seems to me that I have more to learn than initially thought.

This sample differs from what the Judging Guide describes for a "typical" 1970 carpet in that it has:
a) the "short" ribbed heel pad height as shown in JG (Interior) figure I2.2, which the guide claims for late 1971 and 1972.
b) no "IMCO" logo on the heel pad
c) a dimmer pad. This pad is blank or plain vs the segmented ones I've seen on '71's and '72's. The pad is also very roughly cut, looking like a hand knife cut vs. a die cut.

The (thick vinyl) pad material and that carpet backing indicate to me that this is indeed OEM carpet. I'm trying to fully understand, so that as I take this project forward, I make sure I'm on the right track. I can/will take and post additional photos if needed.

Anyone have any insight as to these details?

Anyone have additional pad samples to lend?

[Ralph S.]

Re: Possible C3 Carpet Improvements - NEED HELP

My 1970 3/10/70 build with green original carpet does not have a dimmer switch vinyl pad.

[Jim T.]

Re: Possible C3 Carpet Improvements - NEED HELP

My original owner 1970 coupe with the optional interior for 1970 has only the original carpet over the dimmer switch. My 70 was built in July 1970.

[Reba W.]

Re: Possible C3 Carpet Improvements - NEED HELP

I do not believe this is an original 1970 set. All three items mentioned are contradictory to all that I have seen. I know of one very early 1971 saddle tan that did not have a dimmer pad and we surmised that it was carpet left from 1970 produciton.

[Reba W.]

Re: Possible C3 Carpet Improvements - NEED HELP

BTW Don, Alan, and others: In your attempts to get a better reproductioan carpet from Knoch, have you addressed the cut and binding on the rear bulkhead?

[Don L.]

Re: Possible C3 Carpet Improvements - NEED HELP

I will take/post photos of the back side of the sample carpet I have if it's thought to help ID it's originality.

I do know that the pads' are much thicker, the depressions of the ribs much deeper and the smoothness (non grained) surface of the "background" of the pads is very different than any reproduction pads I've seen (but I haven't seen them all ) I had seen a recent photo of C3 carpet back side here, but can't find it today.

As for the cut and binding of the rear bulkhead, I am working to what's published in the 4th edition JG. Is there any new/further information available and that could therefore be used in this effort? Photos?

[Reba W.]

Re: Possible C3 Carpet Improvements - NEED HELP

As far as I know, we have nothing newer than the drawings in the fourth edition, Don.

[Alan S.]

Re: Possible C3 Carpet Improvements - NEED HELP

Hi,
Although I don't think I'd be willing to send my rear bulkhead/floor 71 coupe carpet to Texas, I'd certainly be happy to take it it out of the car and carefully make a dimensioned pattern of it including the 'dip'.
Might that suffice?
Perhaps people here could then take a look at it to see how typical of 71 production my carpet may be.
Regards,
Alan

[Don L.]

Re: Possible C3 Carpet Improvements - NEED HELP

Oct 7 Update: As of today, I have received the one sample from Mike Zamora, which has the "short-ribbed" heel pad. I could really use a "fully-ribbed" heel pad and (especially) a dimmer pad. Anyone?

This week, I plant to contact Al Knoch and see what can be done about re-tooling for at least the one heel pad we do have.

Reba pointed out that some work may ben needed to correct the rear bulkhead tab's size and shape. I'll do what's needed here too but need some help. Rear bulkhead carpet tab area looks to be different in the '70 coupe vs the '70 convertible. Are the '71-'72 coupe and the '71-'72 convertibles cut differently in this area? The sketches on page 13 of the JG are a little confusing to me. The bodies looks to be different in the sketches but the carpet looks to be the same.

The attached photo is of the carpet I bought from Knoch this summer. It looks to be the same as Alan's "installed" photo. Agree? Note: Alan's, of course, is a coupe. Mine is a convertible.

Does anyone have a photo of a known original '71-'72 rear "tab" that we can use as a guide? I'm hoping to get dimensions off a known original....

IMG_1661.jpg

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Possible C3 Carpet Improvements - NEED HELP

Don,
I will take photos of the original '72 across the street form me. I can't remove the carpet biut I will get the best photos I can of the pads and the tab. Of course you're welcome to come over and see them for yourself as well.
Jeff

[Alan S.]

Re: Possible C3 Carpet Improvements - NEED HELP

Hi Don,
I looked at the 71 coupe rear carpet that I bought from Al Knock last year. It DOESN'T have the dip that the carpet in the picture you just posted has. The original carpet in my 71 mid-January built coupe DOES have the dip.
The coupe Knock carpet extends further up the rear bulkhead and interferes with the mounting of the 2 hinges for the rear window storage tray.
I took measurements of the original carpet and will draw it to scale/ with dimensions tomorrow and send it to you.
I'm posting 2 pictures I've posted before of my original carpet that shows it's configuration just so you can see it today. Notice that the top rear edge is just a bit higher than the courtesy light on the bulk head.
I'm also posting 3 pictures showing the detail and extent of the 'ribbed' area; and also the IMCO logo. (third picture)
Talk to you tomorrow!
Regards,
Alan

[Keith W.]