1970 carpets

[Daniel Grunwald]

I need to put new carpets in the front of my 1970 coupe. Everyone sells them so I am looking for some experience on good, or bad quality from someone who has bought carpet. $$ are less important to me than good fit and quality. It is loop pile that I am needing. Thanks, Daniel

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1970 carpets

Dan,

1. If you can wait a month, check out the 3 main manufacturers of carpet for your 70 at Carlisle. They would be Al Knoch, Auto Custom Carpets and Romeo Engineering. There's nothing we can write here that would beat seeing them in person.

2. If you have a color other than black, and ESPECIALLY if you need to match the rear carpet, have each of them send you a sample of your color to compare to yours. I think you'll receive 3 different colors even if you ask for, say, the Bright Blue for 1970. Don't ask how I know this.

3. Seriously consider replacing the front AND rear carpet to get a match, unless you have black and get a really good match. You might get away with it if your car is a "driver" and the carpet colors get really close.

4. The carpet from ACC and RE comes with jute padding glued to the back, while AK does not. You need to add the jute. It's your preference, but make sure to save your original padding to compare shape to the AK padding if that's the way you go. I used original as a template when I installed AK in a car.

5. I've used both the AK and the ACC. It's personal preference as to which you use, and I'd say color match and nap would mean more to me than the supplier.

6. If you buy, say, ACC carpet through someone else, make sure to also request THEIR sample of the color. I know that Corvette America's version of my 1971 blue is different than what ACC sells, even though CA buys from ACC. That can be a big mistake if you're trying to match.

7. Good luck!

Patrick

[Tony H.]

Re: 1970 carpets

Daniel,

The only thing I would add it to consider reusing your foot pad and heel pad (if you have one). Several years ago when I had mine redone, I sent my heel and foot pads to Romeo Engineering and had the sew them on using the original color threads as well. Top was black, bob-in was gray. The pads were different then compared to original and my originals were in excellent shape.

Tony

[Andy Higbee]

Re: 1970 carpets

Is there an additional pad or heat barrier that was installed under the jute padding and carpet? I plan on installing one of the new age heat barriers prior to installing the carpet and am afraid to build up to many layers that will effect the fit.

AndyH

[Dan Grunwald]

Re: 1970 carpets

Thanks for the responses. I will need a tan carpet and the back is in good condition so I wasn't going to replace it but thanks to Patrick I think I will buy a set for the color match even if I don't put it in initially. Thanks everyone. NCRS is worth it's weight in gold. Daniel

[Juliet P.]

Re: 1970 carpets

I belive the factory had a rubberized layer on top of the jute backing (which after 30 years is more tan/brownish and less grey/whiteish of the 'new' stuff). At least my original rear carpet with the dated JP Stevens tags was that way. My front carpeting was not original and the padding was long gone when I got my '70.

The ACC carpet has the jute backing glued onto the carpet so unless you find a way to unglue it you can't get a rubberized layer back inbetween. I gave up on the ACC carpet as a permanent solution. I haven't decided if I'm going to try the Al Knock or Romeo carpet next.

As others say, good luck. You'll need it. ~Juliet

http://corvetteforum.net/c3/1970registry/

[Robert C.]

Re: 1970 carpets

Romeo has a great set for 70-72 cars. Very original looking. I sent back my set I ordered from Knoch!

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1970 carpets/underlayment

Juliet,

Yes, the original jute had a firm rubber backing (topping?) to which the carpet was glued. The jute portion then faced the floor. Unfortunately nobody makes any type of backing in this material. If one has an excellent original backing I suppose it could be re-used. The nice thing is that original jute was cut EXACTLY like it should be to lay correctly. I've had to modify the jute on every carpet I've ever used to make it lay like original, and keep an old set of jute around just to use as a pattern.

SOME cars, but not ALL cars, had a thick fiber-type heat shield under the carpet and jute underlayment. Imagine a VERY thick layer of roofing felt and you get the idea. I haven't yet met anyone who could give me a definitive answer as to who, why or when. Realize, of course, my answers are limited to the 1970-72 cars, but I would think other years may be similar. I do believe that this original sytle heat shield/underlayment IS available in reproduction. Of course, since no one sees it, some of the newer "space age" heat shields may work as well ro even better.

Patrick

[Robert Nissenbaum]

Re: 1970 carpets/underlayment

Bob - I found the same set for mine at Romeo. It looks as if the proper heel pad with the manufacturing logo is part of the set. I am a not ready to tackle the interior, so I will be curious as to your results.

Patrick - I have detailed pics of original (best as I can tell) jute and rubberized backing. I plan to reuse mine, since the carpet is merely stained and faded with a small exception.