[AngliaBob]

I'm looking for advice on how to install carpet in my 57 Nash Metropolitan.
The floors have been modified, a console has been added and the seats are not original.
I have measured the floor space and purchased carpet and binding.

My question is: What is the best way to layout and install the carpet?

Should I use paper to make patterns of the floor, tape them together and cut the carpet.....or.....
Cut the carpet oversize, put in place and use a carpet knife to cut to shape.

Thanks,
Bob

[DanTwoLakes]

Naturally, you do the padding first, which I like to glue in place. Keep the padding just short of any door sills. Don't get carried away with thickness, or it can screw up door closures, etc. Do the firewall first if it's being carpeted. Do the transmission tunnel next if there is one. Then trim the front carpet section around it or the console and bind the edges that butt against the tunnel or the console. I just cut the carpet oversized and fit it as I go, but you can make a pattern if you want and cut it a little bigger just in case. I always use a large scissors to do the cutting 'cuz it's too easy to screw up the carpet with one false move with a sharp knife. You can cut the carpet with a utility knife if you are going to take it out of the car to cut and are using a straight edge. Take your time and don't cut anything until you're sure it's right. Make a front piece, bind the edges that go across the middle of the car, and overlap the rear piece under the seats. You can glue the carpet to the padding if you have a lot of peaks and valleys that need to be held down.

One thing you absolutely have to do is make sure the nap is all running the same way. If you don't, it can look like it's different colors and totally ruin the job.

[AngliaBob]

Dan,

Thanks for the input...

I will use scissors, as I have had the errant cut in the past.
I have 1/8 sound deadener on the floor.

What type/brand/thickness of padding do you suggest?
I have an auto upholstery outlet fairly close to home.

Thanks again for your input.

[DanTwoLakes]

You can use anything you want for padding, that is pretty much personal preference. The padding doesn't have to be real thick, because the only wear the carpet gets is just your feet resting on it as you drive. I like regular 1/4" re-bonded carpet padding, but I've used jute and other man made paddings as well.

[jdss]

I'm about to start the carpeting on my car.What happens if i don't use padding under it?Is the padding just to make it look better?

[DanTwoLakes]

In your house, the padding is there to prevent wear to the carpet. The stronger and thicker the padding in your house, the better your carpet will handle wear. This is somewhat true in your car, but because you're not constantly walking on it you don't need any extra heavy duty padding. You still should have at least a layer of jute under it. The main reason for padding auto carpet is to get the carpet up off the floor so that moisture isn't trapped between the carpet and the metal floor and in the carpet itself which would make the carpet fail faster. Over time, the padding will also help the carpet stay better looking longer.