The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors Help with carpet installation.

Hello, I'm planning on ordering some of the molded carpet for my 56 3100 with 3 speed. I'm sure there is a right way to cut out for all the pedals and steering column but I don't know what that is. Give me a razor knife and I can screw things up pretty good in no time! So If someone has some experience in this area I would appreciate some tips. Also can the foot pedals come off where carpet can be slipped down over the shafts? Thanks for any ideas here. I'm also going to install some 2008 Silverado buckets and console I picked up at the salvage so I hope that goes good and If I learn anything from that I'll share it here as well.

I believe the molded carpets come cut or marked on the back for the required holes ... the one I've seen did anyway

Bill

On the ones that don't, here is what I've done in the past. First lay it outside in the sun to warm it up. Shouldn't take too long in Springfield with the temps we've been having. Use a Sharpie to mark any cut lines on the back side of the carpet. Dry fit a lot. They make carpet blades for the box cutter knives that have a gentle curve. It will look real nice with new seats and carpet. Dave

That would be great if they are marked or cut already, but the ones I have looked at on Ebay and a Google searh say they are not cut. Maybe there is a good brand name that someone could recommend. I checked my pedals today and the foot rubber pads come off but the metal pads are welded, so no way to slide carpet over them. Also wondering about the two seals at the base of the steering column, there is a foam one that seems to be the water seal, then a hard rubber one. I'm guessing I would sandwich the carpet between these two, is that correct? I also have my steering wheel off and shifter so could slide the carpet down over the shaft if thats a better way than cutting a slit from the top edge. Then there is the master cylinder cover in the floor that stills needs to be accessed. It looks like these molded carpets are one piece that would be bolted under the seats so wondering the best way to still check brake fluid levels. Maybe a small billet gas tank bed cap screwed over the access hole? Any thoughts on these other items? Thanks.

the pedals can have a slit between them that will allow for slipping the carpet over or have a slit for each to the top - column will also have a slit to the top with the hole ovaled to capture under the hard rubber piece - all the cut edges [slits for pedals] should have an edge binding sewn on for neatness and to keep it laying properly - the back edge just lays flush with the ridge that the seat risers bolt to, you get to the MC fill hole by lifting the back corner of the carpet - there should be snaps at the corners and along the top to keep it in place .... or maybe you want to glue the whole thing down so no one can steal it? .... of course if you check a local auto upholstery shop, they could prolly make one up for about the same money

Bill

Ok that makes sense Bill. I was thinking the carpet would go under the seat all the way to the back wall and the seat would be bolted down over the carpet. So sounds like I will have to order more carpet if I want the under seat area covered too. I have put dowe some of the "Second Skin" foil backed rubber and was hoping the Carpet would be the final layer of sound insulation. Thanks for all the replies and if you think of anything else I need to know just add on to this chat.

A hot glue gun can do the edging on uncut samples. The more fitting from the factory specific for your vehicle, the better it will fit and probably the better the quality and price. Older truck had floor covering to just under the seat. Custom making a piece to go the rest of the way back will make a cleaner install and dampen some sound. Harder to hose out though.

Thanks for info Dave. I also called and talked to the guy at "StockInteriors.com" and he was very helpful as well explaining options and said they would make it any way I wanted. They have several options and some that include the gas tank area and under the seat. So I think I'm gonna place an order with them as they sent me six color samples and seem to be reasonable. They also sell extra yards to match so I can glue some on the back walls and make a cover for the gas tank. Since I'll have the Silverado seats with the center jump seat/console that tank area will be visible most of the time.

Got the carpet for my '56 from Stockinteriors.com and am very pleased. Got low hump molded carpet that goes all the way under my gas tank to the back wall of the cab. It helps to have a scapel (works better than a razor blade or retractable knife( and a nice new cheap all-purpose scissors when installing. A soldering iron works great for making the holes for attaching the seats, seat belt retractors, etc. (I have Tahoe center seats in my truck.)

Glad to hear your pleased with that setup, and thanks for the tips! Thats what I decided on as well was the molded full length set. I still have my master cylinder under the drivers floor so will probably just split the carpet into two pieces just under the edge of the front seats. Just got my Silverado seats and console set in today for a test fit, just have some reinforcement plates to put under the floors. Man they look good and are comfortable. Also have to make some seatbelt mounts for the shoulder belt at the top of the cab corner. Can't wait to get this project wrapped up and get my old ride back on the road, with some new carpet, new interior paint, seats and a quieter ride.

Rebel Roger, research what you use to glue carpet to anything gravity challenged. Trucks heat up and most glues are heat sensitive. I know there are heat resistent glues to use on vehicle interiors, but just don't know which.

56picup, neat trick on the holes.