carpet cut confusion - '66

[Jeff A.]

Hello all,
I've been looking over the archives for info on the proper cut for the carpet flaps at the seat rails on my '66 and I'm seeking some clarification before I do any irreparable damage. The attachment below, posted on 8/19/08 by Gerard Fuccillo, is a diagram from a 2007 NCRS seminar, which appears to indicate that for '63-'66 (lower left of diagram) the entire rail area should be cut out, with a flap only at the front bolt. Other information in the archives seems to confirm this.
However, the Judging Guide isn't specific about a full cutout. It states that "Original style carpets use a cutout flap which allows the seat runner to bolt directly to the floor panel with the carpet covering the runner and bolt from view. This flap is used at the forward seat anchor location only." There's no mention about whether the flap is fully removed for the rest of the rail. Can I safely assume that the diagram is correct? Also, shouldn't there be a full cut (solid line) at the horizontal dashed line above the front bolts on the diagram?
The voices of experience would be most appreciated!
Jeff

[Jim S.]

Re: carpet cut confusion - '66

Jeff,

I no longer remember Who to credit with this Picture. I only remember that I saved it for my 66 Carpet installation. I hope that this picture and the other info you have will help you to make sense of it all .

Jim

[Jeff A.]

Re: carpet cut confusion - '66

Jim,
Very helpful! Assuming that the carpets in the photo are original (and they appear to be), it looks like the rail areas are completely cut out with no flap other than at the front bolts. If anyone else has any comments based on their experience, I'm all ears.
Thanks,
Jeff
PS - And thanks to the original source of the photos, whoever you are!

[Gerard F.]

Re: carpet cut confusion - '66

Also, shouldn't there be a full cut (solid line) at the horizontal dashed line above the front bolts on the diagram?
The voices of experience would be most appreciated!
Jeff

Jeff,

I honestly don't know the answer to your question above. I have only done my 67 carpets, which is a different arrangement. The diagram I posted came from one who I think is the foremost expert on C1 and C2 carpets.

Whether that front carpet flap on a 66 is a single hinge or a double hinge, I don't know. But a double hinge is do-able and actually would look nicer, (and could be converted to a single hinge in one slice)

But I'm not sure the double hinge is correct. Maybe someone who has done 66 carpets and been through the judging will chime in.

[Jeff A.]

Re: carpet cut confusion - '66

Jerry,
Isn't amazing that after 40 plus years these nuances still confound us? Thanks for chiming in, and thanks for your original post of the diagram.
Jeff

[Michael H.]

Re: carpet cut confusion - '66

Here's a 65 with original carpet.

[Gerard F.]

Re: carpet cut confusion - '66

Jerry,
Isn't amazing that after 40 plus years these nuances still confound us? Thanks for chiming in, and thanks for your original post of the diagram.
Jeff

Jeff,

Looking at Michael's photo, I would think that the double hinge is correct.
Isn't it amazing, that we all become historians rather than mechanics

[Jim S.]

Re: carpet cut confusion - '66

Jeff,

As I said about the picture , I don't remember it's source , but I do remember that it was of an original set of 66 carpet fronts . From John's 65 Pic ,and Jerry's , It appears that every year had it's little differences !

Now lets see if they can be further broken down into Mid year production changes !

Sometimes I can't believe we can ever get these cars back together "corectly".

Maybe the only answer is to own and build two of every year, or sometimes three ! Yeah ! That should cover it !

Good luck,

Jim

[Jeff A.]

Re: carpet cut confusion - '66

If picture is worth a thousand words, I got two pictures - therefore, this post must be worth 2000 words! Looks like I'll be going with the double hinge. If they ding me, I'll make it a single hinge the next time around.
Thanks guys!
Jeff

[Gerard F.]

Re: carpet cut confusion - '66

Jeff,

And bring a copy of the diagram along when you get it judged

[Jeff A.]

Re: carpet cut confusion - '66

Jeff,

And bring a copy of the diagram along when you get it judged

Good idea! Thanks again.
Jeff

[Michael H.]

Re: carpet cut confusion - '66

Good idea! Thanks again.
Jeff

And maybe a copy of the picture that I posted earlier?

[Jeff A.]

Re: carpet cut confusion - '66

And maybe a copy of the picture that I posted earlier?

Absolutely! I'll be going in loaded for bear.
Thanks.
Jeff

[Michael H.]

Re: carpet cut confusion - '66

Absolutely! I'll be going in loaded for bear.
Thanks.
Jeff

There ya go.

[Steven N.]

Re: carpet cut confusion - '66

The diagram posted by Jeff alper is from John Kennedy from House of Customs in Utah. John is probably the most familiar person for interior work and I believe is still the NCRS interion team leader. Give him a call if you have concerns. thanks,
Stteven J............