Carpet Plugs

[Les G.]

Does Anyone Have A Secret For Removing And Installing Carpet Plugs In A C3 Corvette. Also Where Can You Purchase Repro Of These Plugs? I Got Some From Par---- But They Don't Match Up To The Originals.

[Bob R.]

Re: Carpet Plugs

I got some repo plugs from Long Island Corvette and they don't look like the originals either.

[Terry M.]

Re: Carpet Plugs

During the time I was Editor of The Corvette Restorer (1999 to 2005?) I printed a story about how to install these plugs. There was also a thread about this on this board.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Carpet Plugs

I "think" that Doc Rebuild has the correct plugs with the logos on them.
Check his site for more info.

Patrick

[Kurt B.]

Re: Carpet Plugs

When I installed mine in my 68 I put them in very hot water for a few minutes prior to installation to soften up the rubber, then I put a little white grease around the hole in the fiberglass floorboard where the plugs go and I used a drift pin large enough to fit inside the rubber plug and gently pressed it in to place. The drift pin stretches the tip of the plug enough to let it go into the hole without ripping through the end of the plug. Some guys use a phillips screwdriver but I did not like the idea that the tip of the screwdriver was pointed as it is easier to puncture th plug that way; the drift pin is flat at the tip and less likely to rip through the end of the rubber plug.
It was quick and easy.
Another way is to just get the rubber plug started in the holde form the interior side and then go under the car and GENTLY pull the tip the rest of the way through with pliers until you feel it seat itself in place.
Either method or a combination of both will work easily. Don't forget the small amount of grease to allow the plug to slide into place easier.
Kurt

[John D.]

Re: Carpet Plugs

One way to quickly install the CAP plugs is to smack them in with a rubber dead blow hammer.

[Jim T.]

Re: Carpet Plugs

Les if I was going to remove the plugs from my C3's I would clean the tip working under the car and coat it with vasoline and work it out.

[Jack H.]

Re: Carpet Plugs

I've sucessfully removed PIF's by waiting for a warm day, using a pair of duckbill pliers and grabbing, gently squeezing and rocking the forward tip(s) as I pushed the PIF back through the mounting hole. Once out, they could be re-used...

On where to find correct originals, those I've removed had the GM PN (3776785 or 3868790, depends on year and application) embossed on the rear side rubber. If memory serves, this is what Paragon used to stock. But, check with the order desk to see if that's still true of their inventory.

On installing, Long Island carries a special tool (PN 55-48, $5.00) to insert the PIF's without breaking/tearing...

[Jeff A.]

Re: Carpet Plugs

Hello all,
Sounds like everyone is making this harder than it has to be. I placed mine (acquired from LIC) over each hole then pushed on the middle of the plugs with the rounded end of a screwdriver handle. Pop. Done. No heating, pulling or lubing. Maybe I'm missing something
Jeff

[Pat M.]

Re: Carpet Plugs

Also Where Can You Purchase Repro Of These Plugs? I Got Some From Par---- But They Don't Match Up To The Originals.

I got some from Paragon within the last year and they were almost perfect, and judged without deductions. Maybe their product has changed?

[Steven B.]

Re: Carpet Plugs

How were they installed during assembly at the factory?

[Jack H.]

Re: Carpet Plugs

Check the archives as John Hinckley outlined the process in a prior post. Basically, PIF's moist and heated and installed with a special tool not too dissimilar to the item I mentioned in the Long Island catalog...

[Steven B.]

Re: Carpet Plugs

Check the archives as John Hinckley outlined the process in a prior post. Basically, PIF's moist and heated and installed with a special tool not too dissimilar to the item I mentioned in the Long Island catalog...

Thanks Jack!

Steve

[John H.]

Re: Carpet Plugs

How were they installed during assembly at the factory?

Steve -

The short version is that they were kept in a pan on the bench under a heat lamp, and were dipped in a 50-50 solution of Joy soap and water just prior to installation.

[Steven B.]

Re: Carpet Plugs

Steve -

The short version is that they were kept in a pan on the bench under a heat lamp, and were dipped in a 50-50 solution of Joy soap and water just prior to installation.

Thanks John! Your info on how it was done is always appreciated!

Steve