Carpet install help. Sonofamotherratsass#@*&%*(!

At the advice of several posts here, I decided to have a local auto upholster put a VS carpet kit into my CMC. With 30 years experience, he couldn't figure it out and gave up. So I thought I'd give it a try.

I had VS fax me a layout but the pieces aren't the same. Some pieces appear missing while I have pieces that aren't on the diagram. I got one piece where there is a flap (not the tunnel piece) and have no idea where it goes. Side panels are too short.

I'm at my whit's end with this carpet. I'm ready to light the carpet and even the car on fire. I don't recall cussing so much one a project. I need help or some new cuss words.

have you tried giving it the "angry fist?"

I cannot offer any advice as i have not got to that stage yet, but if the carpet is anything like the wiring harness - good luck.

I bought a 12' x 8' roll of german square weave and have source an installer who is going to custom make it for me. A few hundred more, but a stunning fit and finish.

Bob, I am doing a VS carpet set in the next week or so and will take pixs.
~Alan

Bob,
If your carpet is in small pieces, here's something that can help you out (after you figure out what goes where...).

Put the small pieces in the dryer on LOW heat for a few minutes. Keep a very good eye on them as if your dryer can't roll them around the backing could melt.

A few minutes in the dryer warms and softens the stiff backing. Makes the carpet about 100% easier to work with. The glue also seems to stick better.

Obviously you have to figure out what goes where first! Pics will help. Especially if someone will give you pics of the same model car. Even one with the carpet already installed will let you see where THIS piece goes and THAT piece goes.
angela

HEY BOB I bought the VS carpet when we were putting Fern back together, the carpet MAP that was sent was basically a piece of paper. And it didn't make any sense either. It was photocopied in a mirror image. Check yours out as well.

Alan, sure would appriciate any pics. It seems to be a common problem. Might be profitable to make a instructional DVD. :)

Bob, Maybe you can find someone that has uninstalled CMC carpet that they could trace for you. I had the upholstery shop use my original carpet as a template and then sold it on ebay.

Bob, carpet should go in next weekend...

Did you try comparing it to the CMC layout?

https://www.speedsterowners.com/library/cmcmanual2/images/cmc79.jpg

Aren't the 2 (you said 1?) pieces with flap for a map pocket in the forward kick panels?

Maybe you have a carpet kit for a VS with a tube (vice VW pan) frame? Would think side pieces would be shorter on it.

The VS carpeting looks nothing like the CMC pattern in the manual. does VS sell 2 different kits? I just can't how these pieces can fit. It's like they are for a dfferent car. Hopefully Alan can shed some light on this.

VS sells the one carpet set, the difference between the CMC manual drawing and the VS is the forward firewall pieces have a different configuration.
The most difficult part of the installation is two fold, building up the irregular areas (I use foil foam that comes on a roll) and getting the pieces to lap correctly. Some of the hidden corners that are under other pieces can be cut a bit to be relieve a tight radius so they lay in place better.)
Best to print off a couple of different pics of installed carpets that will show the correct layout.
I will get to the carpet installation this weekend (a 6 hour process for the first timer)so that you all can get yours installed.
Be sure that the area you work in has a fan running, an open door by it's self will not vent the toxic fumes and do not have any type of an open flame nearby. ~Alan

Supplies:
(2-3) Disposable plastic razor knives.
(1) Number 77 3M spray adhesive for the foil foam.
(2) Number 90 3M spray adhesive for the carpet.

It is probably a good idea to wear a face mask when using the spray adhesives. I'm wishing I had used one tonight while spraying paint from a rattle can.

You can save a couple of $$ on the Adhesive if you don't mind the little extra time it takes or don't mind using a painters mask. Use Contact Cement instead of the spray on glue.(The original kind not the water soluable kind)
You have to brush it on, unless you have a spray gun you muck up with glue.
If you use it as directions on the can indicate, it is lots stronger than the spray can glues.
I'v been Walmart-ing it for less than $6.00 a qt. The good Spray can Adhesives are about double that in price for a lot less stickey stuff.

GB

The second flap piece is the rear seat bottom. I took off the flap.The tough ones are the ones Allan mentioned. They are the rectangle ones with the two notched corners, The angled notched end goes up and covers the exposed frame behind the angled fiberglass dash support. The "Tab" formed by the two notches covers the part of the front door jam that faces you when your sitting in you car. You might check your tunnel piece as the distance from the edging to the emergency brake cutout was wrong on mine,But was able to shorten and have re edged. Piece for under fuel tank bulge also didnt fit and required trimming and re edging.Hope this helps

I did the carpet tonight ....I had special ordered a Corvette torch red carpet that has a different type of backing than the outdoor type of carpet usually we get from VS. This backing played hell with the over all installation. ...had to build up a few areas to allow for the carpet to lay better but not as good as in past installs. Also removed extra carpet material and cannot begin to tell you why it's there. I did do some alterations also that the pics I'll post in the next day or so, will show. ~Alan

Thanks Alan. The carpet is the last thing I need to do to at least make it at least presentable for Carlisle. You're my last hope before selling the carpet. I doubt VS will take it back.

Bob, Maybe you can find someone that has uninstalled CMC carpet that they could trace for you.

New car dealers

Bob pics and text sent pm to you

~Alan

Alan,

Can you send to me too? mikemck AT comcast.net

Thanks.

Alan; I'd appreciate a set of pictures also.

Brian & Michael pm's with pics sent

Thanks Alan; good pictures. I'm looking at the picture of the rear seat area with just the underlayment. I see that the recessed area in the center of the seat has been covered over, as has the access to the adjustment at the tail end of the shift rod. What would you do if you need to get to the adjustment in the future? Might it be a good idea to have a seperate piece of carpet velcroed in place for easier access?

Alan,
Would it be possible to send me the pic's as well.
I am building a book of helps as I do the rebuild - it will help me when I get to the end of the project.
Thanks

Dale ..will try to get this to you later this evening.