Now that spring is right around the corner I am thinking about doing something I have never attempted before....Install the carpet in my 71 Cutlass convertible. The restoration itself was a debacle and I ran out of money, now the only thing left to do is the interior...Carpet, panels, seats, dash etc..I did the entire drivetrain but have never attempted anything from an interior aspect of restoration. Is this a pretty easy project? I already have the Jute, correct carpet with cutouts and I am installing a dynamat as well. If I butcher this job how much should it run to have it done professionally? Thanks for the advice.

 

I think replacing carpet is an easy project. It could be done in an afternoon by one person. I might suggest doing it on a warm day and perhaps laying the carpet in the sun for a very short time. Makes it a little more flexible. I did very little trimming,most of it up front near the kick panels. On my carpet, I did have to cut for the seat and console mounts as well as the shifter cable. No big deal.

Interior work is not bad....The carpet is much easier than say... doing the vinyl for seats, which can be challenging. The head liner, I would say is the most difficult to get good results. I left that to a pro. Door panels too are quite easy. Removing the dash is a can of worms. Some of the fastners are quite hard to get to and you need to be a contortionist. This is where the factory service manual is a must.

Good luck, you've come a long way and youre allmost there.

 

You definently want to work from the bottom up on this one, the carpet wont be to bad, the worst part of it, is just shifting all that crap around lol, all you do is square it up, drop it in, and bolt in all the items on top of it. I would recomend doing your seats while they are out of the car, i have found that to be a lot easier, or if you are just going to get them done, you can just use a truck and drop them off instead of taking the whole car in. Good luck

 

Thanks for the advice. I think I will pull the Cutlass out the first warm day, let the carpet lay out for a day or two and then take a stab at the install. I will yell for help from someone as the problems arise. Later

 

did you ever start/finish this? I am looking at doing the same thing. I am however getting the seats done by an upholstery friend of mine... I can't wait... UHM anyone living in my area that would be interested in getting a car with me. I have found an abandoned vehicle that is a 2 hour drive from my place. It has been sitting on a city parking lot and they haven't been bothered to move it. (HEE HEE) I **** when I saw it and asked around... the tabs are 6 years expired and it has been sitting there AT least that long... HELP??? BTW I talked to the city council members and a few police officers and was met with a yah know it isn't hurting anyone so it's just been overlooked.. COME AND GET IT! LOL

 

Get a good underlay/pad for the carpet.

 

Sorry I am new here but why don't you all try fusick?

http://www.fusick.com/

They have molded carpet cut to size for only about $100. Whatis your time worth? Plus it is more factory original color, pile, etc.

Plus they sell all the interior seatcovers, trim, etc.