I'm finally getting around to installing the carpet in my 72 Convertible. As you can see from the picture, there is a bubble or two creases where it was folded in the box. What is the easiest way to get those creases out of there so that it lays flat? I did buy some sound deadening for under also. Do any of these (carpet or underlay) get glued in place? Lastly, you can see the picture of the area under the rear seat. Should I put some POR over that or? Thanks for all of the help. Tom
For the crease I would take a towel, lay it over the crease and iron it, shooting some steam in there in the process. Even a very thin shop towel, you don't need a really thick towel. Just be careful to keep moving the iron. I would definitely POR-15 that floor. Anything, even gloss black rustoleum. Anything to slow the rust and protect the floor.
Lay the carpet out in the sun, that'll help some. I have used a steam iron or water in a spray bottle along with a heat gun. Be very careful and DO NOT overheat. You can easily melt carpet fibers, so work slowly/carefully. Patience goes a long way. Start in the middle (trans tunnel) and work out. And, yes, coat the entire floor and let it dry well. I unhook the battery, open the doors and put fans on milk crates so they blow air through the interior. Dries a bit quicker. Keep us posted on you progress.
DO NOT use a heat gun, they are super hot and you can't judge the heat until it's to late & melted. It won't take much. good sun and/or a blow dryer. You can use steam or a spray bottle on the back. It is latex based so to much water will break down the backing. use a good adhesive. Don't let the adhesive tack up. you want to wet set the first step so you have time to adjust the piece. start at the hump section. glue only that area. With help, install the carpet (center) and roll/press/manipulate the carpet so it's all smooth and secure over the hump section check all edges before the adhesive sets up. read your set up time on adhesive container. repeat on passenger and driver side. X2 on the POR 15 :TU: Ps. You may want to contact your local flooring shop and see if their commercial carpet installer would to do a cash/labor only job on a weekend.
Thanks all. I was thinking the 3M tack in the middle only also. I figure if down the road I need to do anything under the carpet, it would be at the edges anyway (like get access to the wiring harness). I had it out in the sun a bit but it has only been in the 60's around here, not a good heat yet. I like the idea of a iron or hair dryer. I know about heat guns and yes, they can get hot in a hurry. Guess this will be back burnered for a little while while I do the POR. Tom
Do not no anything about install on carpet! But do know that the 3M SUPER adhesive spray/ the YELLOW is the best. or am I getting confused with the weather strip adhesive. I read in (muscle car review article ) that interior install guy said he liked good quality wood glue. But don't hold me to that. just ideas. 3M is excellent product
No...I would not glue it down at all. IF it's the right carpet, it should sit and mold in fine after a while. The key words here are IF + right. Buicks have an unusual center hump, especially 4spd cars. You may have to add jute here + there around the hump. Read the stuff at the bottom of this thread about insulation. Ask for a second opinion on glue. The crease is a different story, you will have to do something.
I agree don't trowel in wood glue with a 1/4" x 1/4" square notch across the entire floor pan. a little 3m spray adhesive here and there isn't going to hurt anything. With many aftermarket product, you have to help it understand with a little persuasion. Just my .02 I'm not a restoration specialist. just a 25+ years flooring contractor who likes to work on cars, bikes and boats. GL
I agree. And I stand by my use of a heat gun for large creases if you can't get them out in the sun. I use the lowest setting and keep it moving. Yes, it is easy to melt carpet fiber, but if you are careful, it works. The object is to get the carpet just warm, not hot.
Update: After messing with the carpet something just did not seem right. I sent a note to ACC (Carpet bought through Rock Auto) and they gave me the same ideas you guys did. What it finally came down to is I have the wrong carpeting. They sent me carpet for a 72 Skylark with 4-speed on the floor without console. I'm assuming I pressed the wrong button but I know I was really taking my time when I ordered. Bottom line is that I ordered all of my parts last fall when I put the car away that the will only stand behind their 30 day return. They did inform me that I'm more then welcome to order another set, the proper one for my car. You think at least they could throw in shipping or offer 10% off. Anything. Sucks because Rock Auto is local for me and I like supporting WI companies even though I have to pay taxes on it. Oh well, live and learn. I guess I will buy the bare minimum from them moving forward. Thanks to all of you for the ideas on how to get the carpet down. I guess it was not meant to be. Tom
What would have to be done to make it fit? Is the placement of the cut-out for the 4-speed w/o console so the it couldn't be covered by the console? What color is the carpet? Maybe someone on here would buy it and you could get the correct one. Did you ask if they could just sell you the front half? Being that they are the manufacturer (ACC), it wouldn't be too hard for them to, at least do that. Just some ideas to toss around.
Best thing for this is a steamer. Same thing you use on upholstery. Wrinkles will come right out, done it SEVERAL times.
Thanks Smokey, I have just been dealing with Rock Auto. I'll call ACC next to see what they can do. I was planning on trying to sell it here, so thanks for reminding me. Tom
3M is the best 42+yrs flooring cont. I've replaced many car cpts and always used 3M. Man I'm getting old!!!!
Where do you think I can get a steamer (quality) reasonable price. Getting ready to put n headliner and carpet myself! Oh ST !
Havent done mine yet, personally i was going to hang mine on a couple sheets of plywood for a couple days and let gravity do its work. Dont know if it will work or not but wont hurt to try.
