New Carpet for 57

[Teresa W.]

I have to replace the carpet in my 57. I have read older posts that stated ACC makes the better carpet. It's made of rayon/nylon and has the correct colors. Is this this still true? Does it matter what vendor you buy the carpet from? Are they all cut the same and is the installation straight forward? I have gotten samples from numerous vendors and the carpet all looks the same to me. What happened to the Red Daytona Loop? I'm replacing carpet that we installed 35 years ago from Al Knoch. I'm also thinking of placing a thin insulation under the carpet or at least against the firewall. Is it ok to just install the newer insulation (like the stuff that comes on a roll that has bubbles) on the firewall or do you have to install it under all the carpet. The old jute insulation wasn't good at keeping the heat from the engine off my feet. Since the master cylinder leaked into the firewall insulation and onto the carpet I have to replace it all.

[Richard M.]

Re: New Carpet for 57

Teresa,

I just got in a new set for a '56 from Al Knoch. It's Beige. I don't know if the carpet that's in the car is original or not. We took some of it out already and I have it saved. Later tonight I'll get pictures of both with some close-ups to check the differences. Maybe some others can chime in with opinions.

I've had several issues with ACC carpet for three different '59's however. The driver side was cut wrong at the sill step area.

"What happened to the Red Daytona Loop?"
If you're asking about AK carpet, I recall they had a supplier issue and couldn't get it for some time. Same issue?

You can add insulation to the firewall before you install the original type, but you will not be able to use the original type reproduction rubber fasteners. It's hard enough to get them in, even with stock insulation. You'll have to get longer fasteners. Your local auto parts supplier has those plastic ones that will fit, but look out of place.

If you need a cooler cabin, you'll really have to insulate every square inch. It could be a daunting task.

Rich

[Richard M.]

Re: New Carpet for 57

Here are the pictures.

Note the differences in the loop angles. According to the judging Guide, original Daytona carpet had the weave diagonal to the car centerline, as shown in the old carpet also, so it may be original. The new carpet is straight.

P6080001.jpg P6080002.jpg P6080007.jpg P6080010.jpg

[Gary C.]

Re: New Carpet for 57

Teresa.

Restorer article on under carpet insulation in 2010 & 2012 on C2's. Insulation was HushMat. When I tested in 2010 HushMat had the highest temp reduction.

If you can't locate my article, let me know.

Gary
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