1967 Kick Panel Carpeting Backing

[Tom R.]

When I received my carpet kit, the carpeting for the kick panels did not come with any kind of stiff backing to keep them straight and smooth when screwed down to the kick space area. What is the opinion on what we should use? This is a complete carpet set ordered from Willcox for a coupe.
Thanks.
Tom

[Richard M.]

Re: 1967 Kick Panel Carpeting Backing

Tom, The panels are made of thick paperboard. Most vendors only sell them with the windlace and carpet already attached.

Just checked. LI Corvette has them bare with windlace. You need to specify color of the windlace......12-42B

You may also need the metal trims...12-37B

It sounds like you didn't know that you needed them at time of the Wilcox order. They could have got you set up with the carpeted panels, if they knew you didn't have them. Maybe check back with them as they may do a swap out for you with a extra cost.

Rich

[Tom R.]

Re: 1967 Kick Panel Carpeting Backing

Thanks Rich. I knew there was something, just surprised that when you order a complete carpet set with jute and rubber backing, you'd think the supplier wouldn't make you specify a needed part like cardboard backing.

Tom

[Gerard F.]

Re: 1967 Kick Panel Carpeting Backing

Tom,

I ran into the same problem. Even with the complete kick panels with backing and windlace, I don't think anyone reproduces the 67 kick panels like the originals. Here are photos of my original 67 kick panels:

Driver side front:



Driver side back:



I think you will find the complete repro with backing will have a plastic backing and will be missing the lower center eyelet.

The repros have different eyelets which on the originals went through both the backing and carpet. You just can't find those eyelets anymore.

But all is not lost, most judges only look at the screws from the outside. As long as the screws (6 alike on some, and 4 & 2 alike on others) are correct, you'll get by.

I'm thinking about just re-dyeing my originals and putting them back on with the repro carpet set.

[Tom R.]

Re: 1967 Kick Panel Carpeting Backing

Thanks Jerry,

i found a vendor that has both the eyelets and wind lace in the correct color along with a plastic backing that would mimic the Fiberglas backing you show on your originals. I'll give them a call this week. Thanks again.

[Gene M.]

Re: 1967 Kick Panel Carpeting Backing

Tom,
My carpet for the sides did not come installed to anything as the originals were.

I use a thin sheet of 1/32" ABS plastic as a backing. It is very flexible and easy to work with. I got it at arts and crafts store. Cut it to shape with scissors. Then just drill holes using the original backer as a pattern for the rivets.

I just do not like the idea of cardboard as original, after all once installed there is no appearance differences.

[Tom R.]

Re: 1967 Kick Panel Carpeting Backing

Tom,
My carpet for the sides did not come installed to anything as the originals were.

I use a thin sheet of 1/32" ABS plastic as a backing. It is very flexible and easy to work with. I got it at arts and crafts store. Cut it to shape with scissors. Then just drill holes using the original backer as a pattern for the rivets.

I just do not like the idea of cardboard as original, after all once installed there is no appearance differences.

Wow Gene. I hadn't thought of that. I was always thinking thick poster board and not that thin ABS. I have some old wind lace in Dark Saddle and could remove it from the old carpet pieces then mate them up on the ABS. No real additional cost!! Thank you sir.
Tom