Ordered my carpet kit installation tips please
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Tuned
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 448
Likes: 13
Ordered my carpet kit installation tips please
I ordered a carpet kit for my 73 super camper today. Any installation tips. Will be greatly appreciated since I have never installed carpet before. Should I glue it to the floor? Any tips will be helpful. This is one of the last things for the interior and want it to look good and not like a armature put it in
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
No, don't glue it to the floor.
One "trick", when you get ready to install it, do it on a sunny day. Take the carpet and spread it out in your yard/driveway/parking lot for a couple of hours before you're ready to install it. The sun will get it good and warm and make the installation a lot easier. It makes it easier to smooth out the wrinkles too.
When you install, get it as smooth as you can but if all the wrinkles don't come out, don't sweat it. The wrinkles will disappear on their own.
Any holes that you need to make (seat belt anchors, seat hold downs, etc.) DON'T use a drill bit! You will regret it very quickly! Use a sharp razor blade and cut a small "X" where you want the bolt to pass through. If you aren't sure of exactly where the hole is located, get up underneath the truck and use a nail, awl or something similar to pierce the carpet from underneath. That way you'll be "spot on" on the hole's location.
Any trimming you need to do, use a sharp blade and be conservative on your cuts. You can always trim more, it's kinda hard to add it back on.
One "trick", when you get ready to install it, do it on a sunny day. Take the carpet and spread it out in your yard/driveway/parking lot for a couple of hours before you're ready to install it. The sun will get it good and warm and make the installation a lot easier. It makes it easier to smooth out the wrinkles too.
When you install, get it as smooth as you can but if all the wrinkles don't come out, don't sweat it. The wrinkles will disappear on their own.
Any holes that you need to make (seat belt anchors, seat hold downs, etc.) DON'T use a drill bit! You will regret it very quickly! Use a sharp razor blade and cut a small "X" where you want the bolt to pass through. If you aren't sure of exactly where the hole is located, get up underneath the truck and use a nail, awl or something similar to pierce the carpet from underneath. That way you'll be "spot on" on the hole's location.
Any trimming you need to do, use a sharp blade and be conservative on your cuts. You can always trim more, it's kinda hard to add it back on.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,628
Likes: 80
From: NE Texas
Like the man says - measure twice, cut once. For small screw holes, use a sharp awl, test light probe, or similar to feel around to locate the hole in the metal beneath. Now is also a good time to put down sound deadener or heat insulation under the carpet.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 83
From: NorCal
Line with Boom Mat, Dynamat, or an equivalent product!
Tuck the carpet under the firewall pad.
Pre-install the hardware on the floor like high beam switch, seat brackets and seat belt bolts. Position the carpet and cut an X on the heads to push them through. Alternatively, cut an X and then with a soldering iron melt the carpet fibers and backing.
Do not glue.
Prior to installation, set the carpet out in the sun on a warm day so it is more pliable (and cooperative!) immediately before installation. Plan ahead.
.
Tuck the carpet under the firewall pad.
Pre-install the hardware on the floor like high beam switch, seat brackets and seat belt bolts. Position the carpet and cut an X on the heads to push them through. Alternatively, cut an X and then with a soldering iron melt the carpet fibers and backing.
Do not glue.
Prior to installation, set the carpet out in the sun on a warm day so it is more pliable (and cooperative!) immediately before installation. Plan ahead.
.
. I'm going too follow all the information you guys have. And post some before and after pics.
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