Advice on replacing my carpets

[mike2977]

The carpeting in my C4 is clean but faded. Especially in the hatch area. Prior owner says car was garaged, but it actually looks pinkish in the light, and I like to enter local car shows, so it's got to be replaced.

Options:

1. Go to an Upholstery shop and let them replace it using their own sources.
2. Order from Ecklers and/or others (15% off sale today for Valentine's day) and then take it to Upholstery shop and pay labor for them to install.
3. Do I get Mass Back (rubber backing) or Cutpile ($100 cheaper at Ecklers & poly backing?
4. Should I put the under carpet insulation (1/8" thick and according to the catalog at Ecklers, an easy fit)?

Comments?

[BadBlackVett]

IMHO, if you are ready to replace the carpet and have the ability to do it, then do it yourself and go with the cheaper carpet. Be prepared for a whole lot of fun. I've had to tear my '84 apart just to get to the computer and heater core, so I am thinking about swapping the carpet. Other issue is the car is almost 30 yo and black, so it is pretty matted down and dirty looking.

I would go with what your budget allows. If you are a purist put back what came original. If you just want it clean, then go cheaper. Once the carpet is out it may be a good idea to put the accoustimat type insulation down or spray Lizard Skin in there. Not much between you and the engine, transmission, exhaust so heat can be a factor. as well as road noise. Another key piece of advise. Take the time to soak down the studs that hold down the seats with penetrating oil. One of my passenger side ones was pretty rusty and knarly, go figure it broke while removing it.

Good luck with your project.

[wildcatlock]

Originally Posted by mike2977

The carpeting in my C4 is clean but faded. Especially in the hatch area. Prior owner says car was garaged, but it actually looks pinkish in the light, and I like to enter local car shows, so it's got to be replaced.

Options:

1. Go to an Upholstery shop and let them replace it using their own sources.
2. Order from Ecklers and/or others (15% off sale today for Valentine's day) and then take it to Upholstery shop and pay labor for them to install.
3. Do I get Mass Back (rubber backing) or Cutpile ($100 cheaper at Ecklers & poly backing?
4. Should I put the under carpet insulation (1/8" thick and according to the catalog at Ecklers, an easy fit)?

Comments?

Factory carpet was Mass Back so if you want to keep it "factory" then go that route. I will tell you the mass backed is a much longer lasting product plus it stops alot of the dirt and grime from working through the carpet and into the padding/ sound deadener. There should be a factory padding under the carpet originally. The extra 1/8" from the ecklers kit wont be much help over stock. If you want to make a difference in the heat and sound then pull all and use the lizzard skin then replace the padding and carpet. Just my .02

[raidmagic]

I bought mass backed when I did mine, Wilcox was where I purchased it and it was cheaper than the sale from ecklers. I wouldn't pay someone to do it for you it's not that hard a job.

[lowkeytow]

Just make sure it matches the drapes whenever possible

[wildcatlock]

Originally Posted by lowkeytow

Just make sure it matches the drapes whenever possible