C3 (1969) carpet install question

[Dave R.]

Okay, I have the car all prepped for new carpet (waiting for it to arrive) and was wondering if anyone might be able to offer a tip on the best way to locate all of the various screw / bolt locations after the carpet has been layed down?
I am talking about the screw holes for the T-Top straps, seat belt bolts; etc. I kept the original carpet to use as a guide, maybe that's the trick but, rather than rely solely on that method I thought I'd ask for suggestions.

[Art A.]

Re: C3 (1969) carpet install question

David, After the carpet is installed, I use an old ice pick, heat it with a propane torch, and locate the treaded hole as best I can and push the ice pick thru the carpet cauterizing the carpet so the screw won't grab the carpet threads..................works for me.

[Dave R.]

Re: C3 (1969) carpet install question

Art, that sounds like a great tip. What method do you use to get in the ballpark of the threaded hole though? I don't want to "swiss cheese" my new carpet with cauterized holes.

[Harmon C.]

Re: C3 (1969) carpet install question

Dave
I hunt for the hole with a cold ice pick. For the larger holes I use a cheap pencil solder iron.
Lyle

[Jack H.]

Re: C3 (1969) carpet install question

Try probing with a cold awl or pin until you locate the point of interest and then come back with your hot tool. For those screw holes that go all the way through the body to the outside, consider using a hot soldering iron and entering the hole from the outside to the inside (PIF fasteners, Etc.).

It's not 'rocket science'... The job was done by ordinary UAW workers!

[Art A.]

Re: C3 (1969) carpet install question

I use a dental tool(cold)........one that has the curved end broken off and is fairly straight.

Art

[Dick W.]

Re: C3 (1969) carpet install question

Don't forget to make a hole for the nine rubber plugs that hold the carpet in the front and on rear bulkhead. Many restored cars that I judge lack these plugs.

[Dave R.]

Re: C3 (1969) carpet install question

Got the plugs; I was able to save the originals and will make it a point to reinstall them. Thanks for all of the suggestions; now where's that carpet?

[Alan S.]

Re: C3 (1969) carpet install question

Your lucky to have your original plugs to reuse. Be sure to check back in the Archives for suggestions and methods to get them back in place without tearing them.
Regards,
Alan

[Robert S.]

Re: C3 (1969) carpet install question

When I replaced the carpeting in my 74' coupe I used many of the techniques discussed plus one "other". I used this "other" technique for the fasteners for the left and right side chrome U bars that the tie down straps clip to. With the carpeting out of the car, I located the holes for the clip fasteners and cut the heads off of some hardware store fasteners and ground the ends down to a sharp point. I installed the fasteners in the holes with the sharp points facing up. I then installed the carpeting and pushed it down on the sharp points until they poked through the carpeting. I then removed the pointed fasteners one at a time and installed the U bars and the original, correct fasteners. It guarantees a perfect fit on one try with no extra holes in the carpeting.
Obviously this technique can be used at any fastener location but many do not require going to this trouble.