Carpet install tips?

[Fman]

I am going to be installing my carpet in near future. I have taken the FFR carpet out of the box and started aligning pieces from what I can tell the two rear corner cockpit pieces seem to be too large? Is it common to have to trim down the pieces or should all the FFR pieces be cut to exact specs? How tight are the seams when installed? I figured I would start with the trunk first incase I mess something up and save the cockpit for last. I was also planning on using the 3M Super 77 carpet adhesive, assuming spraying the back of the pieces on the ground prior to install is the best way for application?

Any tips you can send my way would be appreciated!

Thanks....

and happy new year:cool:

[cv2065]

Did you buy the FFR trunk carpet? It doesn't come with the kit, as its an add on. If so, it won't come in pre-cut pieces. I used some kraft paper and made my patterns then transferred over to the carpet roll. For the trunk, I used the Tec Indoor/Outdoor adhesive from Lowes as it's a brush on. Much bigger pieces and I needed a little more working time to get everything cut and arranged. The pre-cut pieces from FFR for everything else fit pretty good. Might need some trimming here and there, but overall seams were tight and fit well. I used the 3M Super Trim Adhesive as it gave just a little more working time. Somewhere in-between the Lowes stuff and the Super 77. I found that the Super 77 setup pretty quickly, so you have to work fast or you'll be re-applying it in corners, etc.

I sprayed the area I was laying first, then sprayed the back of the carpet and then laid it down. If you get any on the edges that can be seen, just be sure to get it off quickly or it takes work to remove.

[capt1black]

Did you buy the FFR trunk carpet? It doesn't come with the kit, as its an add on. If so, it won't come in pre-cut pieces. I used some kraft paper and made my patterns then transferred over to the carpet roll.

Has this changed? I am no were near carpet but my inventory has trunk carpet included on it. Says trunk carpet and side trunk carpet for both sides.

[Jeff Kleiner]

I've put carpet in a bunch of 'em and it's really pretty straightforward. Here are a couple of tips:

1) Hit all of the inside corners and other areas where two pieces of carpet meet with black paint. That way if there are any tiny gaps you won't see the insulation peeking through.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj43/jkleiner/Mk4%207276/100_2596.jpg

2) I use 3M Super 77 spray applied to both surfaces.

3) Wear gloves...the FFR carpet sheds fibers like crazy and you'll inevitably get some spray adhesive on your hands---put the two together and your hands wind up looking like Sasquatch! It'll take a few days to wear off of bare skin (almost sounds like I speak from experience don't it :p )

Jeff

[nucjd19]

Has this changed? I am no were near carpet but my inventory has trunk carpet included on it. Says trunk carpet and side trunk carpet for both sides.

Agree. My inventory does as well. I was stoked to see it.

[nucjd19]

I've put carpet in a bunch of 'em and it's really pretty straightforward. Here are a couple of tips:

1) Hit all of the inside corners and other areas where two pieces of carpet meet with black paint. That way if there are any tiny gaps you won't see the insulation peeking through.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj43/jkleiner/Mk4%207276/100_2596.jpg

2) I use 3M Super 77 spray applied to both surfaces.

3) Wear gloves...the FFR carpet sheds fibers like crazy and you'll inevitably get some spray adhesive on your hands---put the two together and your hands wind up looking like Sasquatch! It'll take a few days to wear off of bare skin (almost sounds like I speak from experience don't it :p )

Jeff

Thank you for that tip!!!! I did not even think about spraying black at the pieces that meet up.

[egchewy79]

current complete kits have trunk carpet. I used the outdoor carpet cement w/ good results. plenty of time to work before it sets up. +1 on Jeff's comments on spray painting the corners. I found that some trimming was necessary, esp in the cockpit floor pieces.

[cv2065]

Ah, good for you guys. I had to buy mine and my kit came in 2018, so must be a good recent addition.

[Fman]

I've put carpet in a bunch of 'em and it's really pretty straightforward. Here are a couple of tips:

1) Hit all of the inside corners and other areas where two pieces of carpet meet with black paint. That way if there are any tiny gaps you won't see the insulation peeking through.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj43/jkleiner/Mk4%207276/100_2596.jpg

2) I use 3M Super 77 spray applied to both surfaces.

3) Wear gloves...the FFR carpet sheds fibers like crazy and you'll inevitably get some spray adhesive on your hands---put the two together and your hands wind up looking like Sasquatch! It'll take a few days to wear off of bare skin (almost sounds like I speak from experience don't it :p )

Jeff

Thanks for the tips, do you start in any particular order in the cockpit? Floor or side pieces first?

[Fman]

Did you buy the FFR trunk carpet? It doesn't come with the kit, as its an add on. If so, it won't come in pre-cut pieces. I used some kraft paper and made my patterns then transferred over to the carpet roll. For the trunk, I used the Tec Indoor/Outdoor adhesive from Lowes as it's a brush on. Much bigger pieces and I needed a little more working time to get everything cut and arranged. The pre-cut pieces from FFR for everything else fit pretty good. Might need some trimming here and there, but overall seams were tight and fit well. I used the 3M Super Trim Adhesive as it gave just a little more working time. Somewhere in-between the Lowes stuff and the Super 77. I found that the Super 77 setup pretty quickly, so you have to work fast or you'll be re-applying it in corners, etc.

I sprayed the area I was laying first, then sprayed the back of the carpet and then laid it down. If you get any on the edges that can be seen, just be sure to get it off quickly or it takes work to remove.

I will check out that 3M Super Trim Adhesive...

My kit does have the trunk kit but with the drop trunk I do not think I will have enough. I ended up ordering 20oz Bass boat Carpeting per GoDadGo recommendations. I received some samples from them and it looks like quality carpet, I am planning on tracing the FFR patterns onto the new 20oz carpet. I also went with a different color than black it is called Midnight Star Grey. I wanted to try something different to add some contrast against the black leather in the car.

https://www.bassboatseats.com/collections/bass-boat-carpet/products/deckmate-20oz-bass-boat-carpet

[nucjd19]

I will check out that 3M Super Trim Adhesive...

My kit does have the trunk kit but with the drop trunk I do not think I will have enough. I ended up ordering 20oz Bass boat Carpeting per GoDadGo recommendations. I received some samples from them and it looks like quality carpet, I am planning on tracing the FFR patterns onto the new 20oz carpet. I also went with a different color than black it is called Midnight Star Grey. I wanted to try something different to add some contrast against the black leather in the car.

https://www.bassboatseats.com/collections/bass-boat-carpet/products/deckmate-20oz-bass-boat-carpet

That is really good idea with changing up the color. I would to see pictures when you are done.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Thanks for the tips, do you start in any particular order in the cockpit? Floor or side pieces first?

Start with the inside of the footboxes because space is limited (if you leave the outer panel off on the driver's side it makes it easier to work around the pedals). After the footboxes I go to the back wall, then tunnel top, floor and sidewalls below the doors. The filler panels below the doors and their carpet don't get done until the body is on for the final time.

Jeff

[RJD]

I ended up ordering 20oz Bass I also went with a different color than black it is called Midnight Star Grey. I wanted to try something different to add some contrast against the black leather in the car.


Grey contrasts nicely with the black. This is Bentley auto carpet - Mercedes Grey, from Miami Carpet.

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Edit: I can also recommend this carpet cutter from Harbor Freight - about $5. Buy some extra blades too.

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[swwebb]

I used silicon instead of 3M ADhesive. Gives you a lot more time to adjust the fit of the carpet.

[Fman]

I used silicon instead of 3M ADhesive. Gives you a lot more time to adjust the fit of the carpet.

What silicon did you end up going with?

[Jryasko]

Have you found any areas where binding is required on the edges Jeff ?

[Norm B]

A lot of builders have bound all the edges. The only place I thought it was really necessary was the door sill inside edge. Without that you have a raw edge of the carpet showing unless you plan on using the aluminum trim that is available for that spot. Maybe Jeff has a better solution for that spot.

HTH

Norm

[RJD]

One other comment - I found this hot knife from Harbor Freight does a great job of sealing the raw edge of the carpeting in places where the fibers might otherwise unravel. Below for example where the cut edge of the carpet meets the leather top of the transmission tunnel.

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[Hacksaw84]

After using 3M 90 I switched to use DAP 00443 Carpet Adhesive (like others have). With the 3M spray stuff (77 or 90) where you first put it on is were it stays. That sounds nice until the carpet isn't exactly where you wanted it. The DAP adhesive lets you slide it around a good bit. It is a little more more work bc you have to trowel it on, but not bad. If you use the 3M stuff be careful with the overspray. Its like a web and takes some practice to get right.

Also I would test fit the pieces as you go. Some need trimming especially after the piece before it went in. I also touched a few edges with a lighter. Not the carpet really but the strips that hold the loops. They have a tendency to keep coming undone. A quick burn from the backside helps cut that way down. Obviously know what you are doing and be careful not to ruin anything.

Last tip is that its best to have everything figured out first. As in any extra holes. For example, its not ideal to be drilling the seat mount holes though the glued down carpet. Doable but not ideal. I used a hole punch set and a torch to burn out the ring where I needed to drill.

[Fixit]

Take a peek here... #9365 Carpet Install (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?27544-The-40-Watt-Garage-9365-At-the-quot-House-of-Kleiner-quot&p=376731&viewfull=1#post376731)

[egchewy79]

+1 on the outdoor carpet cement. I have no experience w/ the 3M spray stuff, but the glue was easy to use and gave me plenty of time to adjust carpet panels. Just don't get any on the surface of the carpet as it is a bit hard to clean off.

[NiceGuyEddie]

Late to the party here but whatever you do, don't use double-sided carpet tape in any areas as was recommended to me 15 years ago. The carpet tape is (allegedly) rated for outdoor use but the tape gets dry, crusty, and eventually has NO ability to hold the carpet.

Last winter was quite a sizeable project to re-glue everything down again.

[Avalanche325]

The spray is actually contact cement, not glue. So you let it get tacky on both surfaces before you install. There is very little chance to move it once the pieces touch. If you try to pull a piece up, the loops stay on the floor, so make sure you are lined up with an edge. It's not too hard.

Your hands will look like Yetti hands.

[swwebb]

What silicon did you end up going with?

Sorry for the late reply!! GE clear silicon.

[Fman]

Sorry for the late reply!! GE clear silicon.

no worries, I ended up using 3M Super 77