Original dark blue carpet & steering wheel

[Keith M.]

Any of you guys got any ideas where I can find some nice original dark blue carpet? I need enough to do a 63 roadster. While you are at it can you all give me a lead on a very very nice dark blue 63 steering wheel?
Thanks for your help.

[Tim S.]

Re: Original dark blue carpet & steering wheel

While you are at it can you all give me a lead on a very very nice dark blue 63 steering wheel?
Thanks for your help.

I'm in for this too!

[Alan D.]

Re: Original dark blue carpet & steering wheel

Keith,
You will need to find some left over carpet at an old shop. Hope you have some original carpet left to compare with. It appears to me that the 63/64 carpet is a denser weave then latter C2's. Was able to find some stuff with the "corn rows" which looks identical to 65-67 carpet however my original 64 stuff (and 63's I've looked at) is a better carpet. Now that is just my opinion others do not agree.

Remember the base color if you find the correct weave can always be dyed, but use the correct type dye, not just something purchased at the store.

After you have solved that problem then its on to stitching, trim . .

If you just purchase a repo set and take the hit (which often is zero) that's the best way out!

[Stuart F.]

Re: Original dark blue carpet & steering wheel

All the dark blue original carpeting in my 63 Convertible is in great shape except for the driver's side foot well. I wish I too could find just enough to re-do that part. I did find a perfectly matching piece years ago with which I made a floor mat to cover the bad area, but I still know it's not the right way.

Stu Fox

[Bill C.]

Re: Original dark blue carpet & steering wheel

Stu
If you could take a break from your gas tank problem;
I would love to see photos of your carpet weave and the binding double stitch.
Try to use a macro lens. I am having a problem in my mind seeing the difference in the reproductions out today.
Good luck on the gas smell project.
Thanks Bill

[Alan D.]

Re: Original dark blue carpet & steering wheel

The "double stitch" which I do not believe is the correct technical name has been seen with a few different colors, mine is white (64) others have reported yellow and red.
The double stitch is on the back side so no one can see it.

[Bill C.]

Re: Original dark blue carpet & steering wheel

Alan; thanks for your photo. I do not recall seeing any other color than white stitching. I guess it depends on the color of carpet. How would you describe the pile of your carpet vs. the reproduction. Is the loop the same height/ Is it as dense per sq. in.?
TIA
Bill

[Keith M.]

Re: Original dark blue carpet & steering wheel

This reply will go out for all of the ones that have replied. First a thanks to you guys for you input.

Iwant to kind of bring you all up to date and stimulate you in helping me. I have a dark bule 63 kick pad to use as a sample of what I am looking for.

Here is what I have found so far. I have samples of carpet from ACC, Knock, Corvette American and SMS. At this time Al Knoch is winnig hands down. His color is darn close, in fact it is very good. The loop looks good but it is much tighter as he is using a larger diameter material wich gives it a denser look.

If you get down and really look at the original it appears to have some clear shinney threads that are part of the loop and appers to reflet the light giving the bright deep color. I have noticed this even on red carpet. I can come pretty close to this look with the Knoch carpet if I brush it in one direction.


As far as the color of the thread on the binding this kick pad is blue with the double bobbin on the back side to which the thread appears to be either dark blue or black.

When I started this hunt, and I am still hunting, I was looking for the rear carpet out of 3-4 roadster. I have a year or more to look so I will keep diging. You guys just keep looking for me.

[Alan D.]

Re: Original dark blue carpet & steering wheel

The current carpet available today (& used by all repo houses) is denser and of a higher quality. Looking for some original in a 60's car is definitely a possibility. As for the "clear shinny threads" I have also notice such on original carpet, a major disadvantage if you need to dye.

The back - double stitch different colors (from white) seem to appear in 63 mostly (have not seen any in 64, but only have a limited sample) I assume since the color never shows - what even was left in the machine did not get changed out but just used until gone.

Remember to save and reuse all your foot pads (if good) since the repo are wrong. Note the 63/64 right pad on the tunnel are different! Another small point, the carpet on the driver's tunnel also needs to be cut where the accelerator shaft comes through, it is not a slit, but gets cut off and angles towards the floor section (not sure how to state better)


Good luck with the hunting.

[Bill C.]

Re: Original dark blue carpet & steering wheel

Keith; I always thought todays carpet was denser. You give a good description of why that is. I seem to recall being able to stick your finger into the original and you could feel the backing. The new carpet is much better quality.
Bill

[Keith M.]

Re: Original dark blue carpet & steering wheel

Alan,

Do you have any idea which 60's cars may be a possible candidate for donor carpet? This may be a taks that I will never accomplish. I have got about a year to find it so I am still charging ahead.
Thanks again for the help and support. Keith Majure

[Keith M.]

Re: Original dark blue carpet & steering wheel

Bill,

Your are correct it is easy to stick your finger nail down to the backing.
Trhanks. Keith Majure

[Alan D.]

Re: Original dark blue carpet & steering wheel

Keith,
I'm on the same quest with not many junk yards around me. Can not limit the years down for you. Would suggest you just take a section of your carpet and compare it with what's in a car. Did find some 56 carpet and that's a no go!
My idea is to look at early 60's since I think a change happened in 65/66, at least in corvettes. If you find carpet which matches please let us know.

[Stuart F.]

Re: Original dark blue carpet & steering wheel

I apologize for not posting any pictures of my original carpeting as requested. Afraid I don't have a real good digital camera with a macro lens. I sort of got left behind in that department as all my cameras and lenses are from the 60's and 70's (now classified as collector Nikons).

Al Knoch's folks did give my carpeting a thorough looking at and took pictures when they redid my seats a few years back at the winter meet here in Orlando (Kissimmee). I think I have promised it to several people over the years when I decide to change it.

Good Thread.

Stu Fox

[Bill C.]

Re: Original dark blue carpet & steering wheel

Stu; Thank you but no need to apologize. I think Keith has answered my question. I understand now what makes the reproduction carpet denser.
Thanks
Bill