View Full Version : Little detail techniques that worked for you with carpet install/things that didn't
skullandbones
10-06-2012, 03:11 PM
I've been searching the threads for details on this process. I see some people have used carpet binding and some other tricks but what has worked best for you and also attempts of things that just don't work well (may save some from wasting time down the line). I started using double sided tape but have abandoned that for the spray adhesive which is easier to get coverage. This is back breaking work. It's bad enough trying to get your feet into the foot box let alone your head, shoulders, and arms!!! If you have a blog or build thread that answers this I will be glad to reference that if you show the link. The manual does not help very much. Thank you for your time responding, WEK.
Anyplace that you will have a seam, spray a line of black paint, just in case the seams don't meet or shift later. As you trim the carpet to fit rub the freshly cut white edge with a black marker to hide the edge better. When you have to trim, cut just a little bit. You can always cut again.
Ray
Jeff Kleiner
10-07-2012, 07:13 AM
As Ray said, before installing carpet 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 shiny foil or aluminum peeking through:
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj43/jkleiner/Mk4%207276/100_2596.jpg
I leave the driver's outside footbox panel off until the other two walls and floor are done to allow easier access in the crowded space around the pedals.
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj43/jkleiner/Mk4%207276/100_2592.jpg
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj43/jkleiner/Mk4%207276/100_2585.jpg
I've had good luck using 3M Super 77 on BOTH surfaces.
Cheers,
Jeff
skullandbones
10-07-2012, 01:27 PM
I forgot to mention I am installing additional insulating layers (green wood laminate pad and conventional carpet pad similar to OEM stuff). I really want to experiment with the concept of dissimilar substrates for "blocking" various sound waves. I used the dampening material but this added material seems to at least muffle or change the tone of the annoying sounds. So I have had a few adjustments as far as space and trimming for components in the cockpit. I started using the 3M Super 77 (spot on, Jeff). IMO, it works much better for carpet and padding than it did for the dash application (had to redo some areas).
I may be off base but it looks to me like the under the door panels can't be applied until after the body is installed with the under door aluminum panels. Is that a fair assessment? The only areas where I anticipate any trimming is on the panels behind the doors (13916 and 17). I will also have to get some additional carpet to do the area where I did a small mod for my left foot in the driver's side foot box.
Has anyone used carpet binding for the final panel install? FFR recommends putting the main floor panels in last but I'm thinking the trans tunnel cover might make a better finish panel. Thanks a bunch for your input! WEK.
Jeff Kleiner
10-07-2012, 02:28 PM
I may be off base but it looks to me like the under the door panels can't be applied until after the body is installed with the under door aluminum panels. Is that a fair assessment?
Yes it is! As I recall the tunnel cover piece runs long so that the main floor pieces lap over the intersection a bit. Dry fit it and see which way seems to work the best for you.
Jeff
Kelly
10-09-2012, 02:16 PM
Check out Greg M's build. http://www.worldisround.com/articles/123897/.
tips. super 77 or 90 on easy to reach spots where you dont need to reposition the carpet. That stuff is really sticky and the stock carpet has poor backing so once you put it down, you risk pulling fibers through if you pull it back up. Use brush on carpet glue for the footbox areas as it is very forgiving but does not do corners as well.
we bound a lot of our carpeting. More then most people do, but i think it came out great! We also bound the carpet trim that meets the body in the door jambs but its not shown in these pics.
123161231712318
skullandbones
10-09-2012, 08:09 PM
Hi QSL,
That looks pretty clean. Did you have it done by a carpet guy? I would like to know what you used. I have some bias tape which might work but the product you have in the pic looks more substantial. Is it a carpet binding tape? What material is it made of: nylon, etc? Thank you, WEK.
i had a carpet guy do it. Its cloth binding instead of vinyl. cost about 120 to do it all but it was really worth it. I had them do the stiching in red.
skullandbones
10-09-2012, 11:33 PM
Yeah, I noticed the red stitching. I am a sailmaker (still have a couple of sewing machines) but just do it now for fun and personal projects like a convertible top for the roadster. I have some of the fabric bias tape so I should be able to sew those up. I like the red. That's my detail color too. Thank you for your input. WEK.
AZPete
10-10-2012, 06:10 PM
What didn't work? I got some stuff called "Insta-bind" that was advertised as an easy way to edge a carpet. It had an adhesive backing on one side and then you have to use hot glue to complete it. I tried many times on some scraps and could not get it to look good, so it was a waste of time and money. I should have sprayed the corners black before I laid the carpet.
NiceGuyEddie
10-11-2012, 05:51 PM
it was recommened to me, but outdoor, double-sided carpet tape around the edges only did NOT work well. it's puffing up in the other areas.
NOT pulling the carpet too tight around outer corners DID work well for me. if you pull it too tight, the carpet will have a "part" in it along the edge.
cheers,
WIS89
10-16-2012, 08:02 AM
Love the binding result, very polished and professional looking! Super job! It must have taken a lot of planning to get all the various pieces laid out properly. Well done Sir!
WEK-- a sail maker, huh? Wow! Did you really make your own convertible top? Very impressive! Want to make one for my wife's '88 VW Cabriolet? How about the seat upholstery? This project is what is standing in the way of my MK IV build!!
Very impressive you all!
Regards,
Steve
skullandbones
10-16-2012, 09:57 AM
Love the binding result, very polished and professional looking! Super job! It must have taken a lot of planning to get all the various pieces laid out properly. Well done Sir!
WEK-- a sail maker, huh? Wow! Did you really make your own convertible top? Very impressive! Want to make one for my wife's '88 VW Cabriolet? How about the seat upholstery? This project is what is standing in the way of my MK IV build!!
Very impressive you all!
Regards,
Steve
Hi Steve,
Yeah, QSL's touch on the carpeting is spot on! It's cool to see little details like that that many would just miss when observing some of these projects.
I haven't done the top, yet. I saw a Solstace top that I liked a lot. I think with a little patience and trial and error, I can come up with something similar. I am a jack of all trades and master of "some". But upholstry is one of those things I will not tackle except maybe the side door panels. In my search for the binding, I found a local upholsterer who will bind mine for $1.25 a foot. At this point in the project, I am wanting to get registered so I think he is going to get my business (like to support local shops). It is so nice to see what other people are doing on their projects and sharing ideas like this. Thanks, WEK.