66 Interior

[Rodney#40542]

I am about to replace the carpet, seat covers, door panels in my 66 coupe. I see from various forums that Al Knock seems to be the interior most often recommended.

Anyone have any other choices that I need to look at prior to calling Al? A guy on the CorvetteForum.com sells Corvette America interiors at a discount anybody have any experiences good or bad with Corvette America interiors.

Thanks

Rodney

[Gary B.]

66 carpets; have you considered ACC?

Rodney,

Have you considered carpets from Auto Custom Carpets (800)352-8216? Many folks list ACC as their top choice for mid-year carpets. Yes, Al Knoch for seat covers and door panels, but not for carpets. I haven't gotten to the carpet stage with my '66, but I would definitely look into carpets from ACC.

Gary

[Dick W.]

Re: 66 carpets; have you considered ACC?

For the best of all worlds I would go with Al for the seats and door panels and ACC for the carpet. May not be perfect but of all the interior parts that I sold when I was in business, it fit the best and had the least customer complaints

[Patrick H.]

Re: 66 carpets; have you considered ACC?

In addition, unless you need black, call each and ask for samples of your color. You will likely find differences, especially if you need a lighter color.

Patrick

[Joe R.]

Re: 66 carpets ACC?

Gentlemen,

Been selling and using carpets for the last 30 years from ACC. That is until recently! Bought a set for my 66 roadster and it must have been cut for a model T. After taking them to a local interior installer and having them cut and rebound--they fit. Throwing away the spare tire carpet piece was in order as it could not be trimmed to fit the cover.

At the same time, a customer in Florida complained about the same problems. He ended up with Al Knock and said they fit fine.

By the way, Ecklers and Auto Accessories of America sell ACC carpet.

When Jack Holland owned ACC it was the best product in the world but since Jack sold--well you know. The profit must come first. Satisfied customers last!

Regards,

JR

[Patrick H.]

Re: 66 carpets ACC?

I didn't think Jack sold, he bought.
The farm, that is.

Sorry. Poor humor.

You're right, though. Many more complaints regarding ACC quality since the plane crash and the loss of their top executives. Quite a loss to the company and its customers in many ways.

Patrick

[Joe R.]

Re: 66 carpets ACC?

Patrick,

Jack Holland sold the company many years before the plane accident. I believe the company has changed hands twice since Jack sold. Also, Jack Holland died of natural causes several years ago. What a great guy! One of the early greatest guys in this hobby!

Regards,

JR

[Patrick H.]

Re: 66 carpets ACC?

OK. Thought he was part of the accident group.

Either way, ACC hasn't been the same since the accident.

Patrick

[Rodney#40542]

Re: 66 carpets ACC?

Geez, now I am really confused. ACC is only about 30 miles from my house. I looked on their web site and it didn't appear that they will install it, that would have been nice cause the right fit would have been their problem. So it looks as if ACC used to be #1 choice but thats no longer the truth. I have a black interior. Seems like Al won the seats and door panel choice of professionals. So if ACC is not the number one vendor now who is? Second Question, My car came with vinyl seats and I am trying to keep it original looking. Is the difference in leather and vinyl easily distinguished. Seems like the leather would stand up better but if you can tell the difference by sight then I'll stay with the vinyl.

Thanks Rodney

[Rick S.]

Re: 66 carpets ACC?

Night and day difference.
Rick

[Patrick H.]

Re: 66 carpets ACC?

Rodney,

They may not install it, but carpeting isn't that tough to install.

If they're only 30 miles away, go and talk with them. You've got the ability to drive over and return it in person if it doesn't work - something 99% of us can't do.

Patrick

[George D.]

Re: 66 Interior

I have replaced the bright blue carpet twice in my 69 (I drive it a lot). I don't remenber the exact date of the first installationn, but I think it was in 1995. The first set I received was from Al Knock. I sent it back because the 80/20 nap was not very uniform. I ordered another set from ACC and they were a good fit with reasonble quality. You will have a difficult time trying to match OEM quality. I replaced the carpet again using ACC carpet in 2003 for flight judging at Hersey. The carpet fit well but the quality of the material was cheezy. If you held it up to the light you can see right thru it. Why did I use it? Well, I ordered carpet from Romeo Engineering (they advertise in the Driveline), but their delivery time is rediculous. I waited 6 mos for delivery and had to cancel. Couldn't wait any longer. I don't know what Romeos quality it like. The suggestion about getting samples is an excellent idea. Perhaps you can make a more inormed decision. FYI. I ordered the ACC carpet from The Last Detail and it was less expensive than going directly to ACC

Good Luck

George

[Rod R.]

Re: 66 Interior

I am seeking opinions of which is the best carpet vendor to supply carpet for my 64. Sounds like there are two vendors: AK and ACC; the problem is there are no sterling reports here on either of these vendors for their current products. I dealt with AK about 16 years ago and was not overly impressed with them. Also dealt with ACC 14 years ago (good product) but from what I read now their quality is lacking. Any other members out there that want to share their experience with these vendors? I am lost as to who to deal with. Help!!!!!!

[Mike M.]

The guys are talkng fit problems...don'confuse....

fit with appearance. ACC has the closest match to original mid-year loop and weave. Any carpet can be difficult to fit during installation and can be overcome with a little patience.
H. a. N. D.