Carpet Installation

hdheritage97 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-12-2002, 09:58 AM

OK, I'm expecting my carpet delivery any day now and it suddenly dawned on me that I have never installed carpeting, other than the preformed type I had bought for my KR...lol. I'm looking for some of the copius ingenuity that we sometimes have in here to help me to NOT make a mess of this...lol. Does anyone have some tips to share on how to make some sort of templates that I could use to cut panels of carpeting from ? I was thinking of using butchers paper, or something similar to make a template, what ideas do you guys have ? Oh yeah, what did you guys use to fasten your carpeting to the floor, adhesive, and if so, what kind ?

Thanks,

Cliff

wadesdad · #2 (**permalink**) 05-12-2002, 10:12 AM

Butcher`s paper is a good idea. Just leave a little extra for fine tuning during the install. Otherwise, you run the risk of a nagging corner that was trimmed a little too close. Murphy`s law will ensure its in a most visible spot as well.

I used spray adhesive from JC Whitney which came with their insulated matting (aluminum/fibre/aluminum sandwich). It appears to be spray rubber cement, also sold by 3M.

If you spray one surface only, and let it cure for 10 minutes or more, the carpet will be more readily removable in the future. Doing both sides, as I did on my dash, makes is a more permanent installation.

Good luck!

Back in Black · #3 (**permalink**) 05-12-2002, 10:59 AM

Now is the time to do this, not later. It's one of the things I found disconcerting about the more original designs, namely, that they have no sound deadening or safety walls on the floor or firewall. The sandwich alumized insulation is the best alternative.

The WCC I am buying has insulation sandwiched between two sheet steel walls. See my photo gallery for a pic of the space frame.
Always make a craft pattern too large, then cut to size after you verify that it is too large. Wadesdad is right on.

Whaler · #4 (**permalink**) 05-12-2002, 11:40 AM

So are you guys saying to use the aluminized insulation and carpet underlay as well.

Insulating for heat ....insulating for sound?

Why not use both in places?

You guys do the tunnel as well?

Tim

Jack21 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-12-2002, 12:42 PM

First of all, call EM and see if they have templates they can send you. You shouldn't have to invent this one yourself. If not, than use butcher paper.

On the firewall, foot boxes, and trans tunnel, Summit sells double faced aluminum padding just for this. It's about $40 a roll. You want to put this down first, under the carpet for heat and sound insulation. (And you'll want to ceramic coat your headers and sidepipes too).

Pep Boys sells a single faced aluminum insulation used for insulating vans. It's about $20 a roll. Use this from the dash on back. Put a piece in each door as well. Heavy duty Wiss snips or scissors will cut this stuff, but it's tough, and slow going.

The adhesive, also sold by Trak and Pep Boys is 3M carpet and trim adhesive. Comes in a spray can for about $10 a can. You'll need about a case of this stuff.

Good luck.

wadesdad · #6 (**permalink**) 05-12-2002, 08:50 PM

Tim / Whaler,

The JC Whitney stuff is the same as underlayment with the added two layers of aluminum.

This product -
http://www.jcwhitney.com/productnoit...D=5311&BQ=jcw2

I've got to admit I get blank stares when I say "JC Whitney" and "Cobra" in the same sentence. It doesn't have the macho punch that "Summit Racing" or even "NAPA" has. It's right up there with "Woolworth" or "Dollar General" as far as people's perception.

Truth be told, I have ordered quite few things from JC Whitney that have been satisfactory. Taylor wire loom, insulation, wire ties, stainless steel clamps/fasteners etc.

Other similar products like those mentioned by others on this thread
keyword "insulation" on JC Whitney's web site

http://www.jcwhitney.com/catsubpic.j...questid=155365

Whaler · #7 (**permalink**) 05-12-2002, 10:24 PM

Wadesdad
Thanks for the explanation.

How much would be needed for a car?
I see they have 2 lengths....24 and 48 ft rolls

Looks just like underlay on the one side.

I would say that if the heat is a problem then that stuff should really only see the footboxes and firewall. The rest could be plain underlay especially if underlay is alot cheaper. Just maybe under the doors where the sidepipes sit.

Seems to be quite a bit at 4 feet wide
and looks great for the application in both cases

Tim

wadesdad · #8 (**permalink**) 05-13-2002, 09:35 AM

Tim,

I bought the 24' roll and am still working on completing my car. It should be plenty.

I did not buy enough spray adhesive, as I used a can on my dash alone.

-wadesdad

hdheritage97 · #9 (**permalink**) 05-13-2002, 11:01 AM

So, if I'm understanding this right, I should use a foil backed matting to underlay the carpet, it should be attached with glue, then the carpet glued to that ? How thick is this matting material ? I have an issue as it is with my legs hitting my steering wheel....lol. That's why I'm wondering how much thickness would be under my seat mounts ? I especialy liked the idea of getting templates from EM, I'll call them today. Once again, thanks guys.

Cliff

Mr.Fixit · #10 (**permalink**) 05-13-2002, 05:51 PM

I've always liked the padding with aluminum on one side and "matted yarn" on the other. As for spray adhesives, NOTHING is better than 3M super 77 spray adhesive. You'll also want to buy or borrow a good heat gun to get the carpet to lay down without wrinkles.

Whaler · #11 (**permalink**) 06-12-2003, 05:49 PM

Hello Mr Fixit
I am ready to do my carpet now. I have only found 3M Hi tack 76 is the 77 Super better or similar.
3M up here sure isn't cheap.

Tim