1970 carpet retainers

[G B.]

The Judging Guide says that the floor carpet in a 1970 model is held down at the very front by three retainers on either side of the center console. I've found the six 3/8" floor holes for these behind the pedals and just below the heater. However, I have no idea what these retainers look like. I've never seen an early seventies model with original carpet. I'm hoping these retainers aren't similar to those pointed rubber teats that hold the insulation to the firewall.

Could someone please describe these six retainers to me and suggest where I might buy some? None of my catalogs list anything for this specific application that I can find.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1970 carpet retainers

Jerry-----

The carpet retainers on the upper front are your worst fear------the difficult-to-install rubber plug-type retainers. These things are hard to find. I don't even think that Dr. Rebuild has them. However, I believe that Long Island Corvette sells them since they were also used on some mid-years.

[Robert Nissenbaum]

Re: 1970 carpet retainers

If you want, I can get a few pictures of mine (though may take a day or 2). The plugs look to be approx 1 inch diameter black discs when viewed from the top.

[G B.]

Just shoot me

Thanks for the discouraging news, Joe. I can hardly wait to ruin a dozen of those reproductions trying to install six. Since these plugs must go through thick carpet, firewall insulation, and then fiberglass, they must be about 2 inches long.

Robert, a photo showing the head of an original would be wonderful. I'll stick that on my refrigerator for inspiration.

[Chuck G.]

Re: Just shoot me

Hi Jerry. FYI...the original "carpet plugs" had a part number embossed on them, while the repro's do not. Also, I've observed that the repro's are "soft" rubber, easily torn, while old used originals are "tougher". This might be due to the age of the rubber. They're a pain to install. Cut holes in the carpet first, then grease up the end of the plug. Push it through as best you can, then reach under the car with needle nose pliers and pull the plug end through the rest of the way. FUN job Chuck

[Reba Whittington]

Re: 1970 carpet retainers

You are right; these are a pain to install, but I have used Chuck's method for my car. We have been out of the parts business for four years now, but Paragon did sell correct reproductions with the GM number embossed on them.

[Jim T.]

Re: 1970 carpet retainers

Many years ago I tried to order replacement rubber carpet retainers for my 68 and 70 from my local Chev parts counter. What I ended up with was a plastic similar looking piece that for sure was more durable than the rubber but it had a very sloopy fit. I was glad I had not thrown away my originals even though I tore a few of them removing them from the inside by only pulling on them.
If it came down to points you could place the top piece on the carpet and then glue the other end to it coming in from underneath the car.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Just shoot me

Chuck,

About as fun as being on the RECEIVING end of having a tooth pulled without anesthetic, right?

Patrick

[G B.]

Thanks for the suggestion

I never noticed those retainers in Paragon's catalog until you mentioned them. I've been using the plugs from Long Island. I will try Paragon's repros and hope they are made by a different manufacturer.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Thanks for the suggestion

Jerry,

If you get a chance, please let us know if they work any better. Otherwise, you know what award you're headed for.

Patrick

[Bob Simard]

Re: 1970 carpet retainers

In the rear luggage compartment, there are two or three of these wonderful devices also. Do these hold the carpet in place, or just plug holes? Thanks.

[Juliet P.]

The 3 in the rear do both. *NM*