phildawg19

I just ordered a new carpet set from Wilcox, but manufactured by mid america. I went to install the wheel well area and this is what it looks like as of now. I didnt want to trim yet because it just seems like a ton. Also, any tips for trimming these jokers? I have some heavy duty scissors, but i need some help as how much i need to trim and all. I dont have my old carpet when i removed everything from the car in may i was a little trigger happy to throw what i didnt need anymore away haha

here is a pic of the wheel wells

builder

I believe with carpet, you want to use a utility knife on the back. You don't want to cut from the front side, or with a scissors, because you will cut the loops and the edge won't come out as nice and it will unravel easier. Talk to a carpet installer about it.

onaqwst

try really sharp tin snipes...... also are you sure you have them on the correct sides?....

Easy Mike

Are you sure you have a carpet set for a 77?

Some trimming is expected, but the wheel house carpeting in your pic seems to be way too big.

Tally Ho

I just installed carpet in my 82 also from Willcox. A good utility knife works well. Make sure you keep fresh blades in it. When the knife starts to not cut as well change the blade. I did not have excessive trimming to do. My complaint was the cargo door opening was not precut. That took some extra time to get right.

phildawg19

haha in the pic i had them wrong. i uploaded the wrong picture, but it is still the same amount hanging out. i have trimmed some. im just scared about trimming too much

Paul Workman

Well, you've aready figured out that you should have kept the old carpet...Ouch! BTDT myself on a C3, as a matter of fact! It is just going to take a little more time and more trial and error fittings before gluing it up and sticking it down.

There's plenty of material to trim off - a GOOD thing. IMO, how much is not an issue. Not having enough carpet to fit or cutting it too short IS a problem!

Take your time, buy a quality carpet knife and a pack of quality spare blades, and you'll get it done. Be careful...I don't believe there are many blades in this world sharper than a carpet knife blade. OH! And I bout gave up on that 3M carpet spray adhesive in favor of that green carpet glue MA sells. (some really good stuff!)

P.

Alan 71

Hi,
I agree that TOO MUCH carpet is far better than TOO LITTLE.
I found that using a scissors is better than a knife because it gives more control of the cut.
I bought a scissors that had blades that were about 1/2 the length of regular household scissors. This made the carpet easier to cut and the short blade helps to make precise cuts.
You can see the scissors I bought and a regular scissors that I also used for some cuts laying on the carpet in this picture.
Regards,
Alan

thatcorvetteguy

Use a soldering iron for the setbelt holes

scottyp99

Measure twice, cut once. You can always trim it a little smaller, but ya can't trim it any bigger. Leave an inch or two extra until the whole thing is done, in case ya need to tug and pull here and there.


Scott

mrmagrath

Alan, did you leave that much carpet under the sill plates, or was the picture taken before you trimmed? I'm carpeting once the paint's done.
Cheers
Grant

Paul Workman

"...that much under the sill plates..."

In my case, I left a bit more than that. In fact, I cut "V" notches in from the edges to expose the holes for the sill screws - affording as much adhesive purchase as possible. Sills (new) fit just fine.

P.

ButchN

I also got my carpet from Willcox & my entire rear section was one piece.
I got the one that Tom said was the best one to get, all pre cut, very little trmming.
I tossed the box, A1 or something. I saw anoteh restorer on this forum had a pic of it in his thread.
And I left about that much under the sill plates as shown above as it was trimmed, sealed & has plastic going from front to back with the holes in there for the sill plate screws to line up with.
I really gotta get off my butt, take some pics & post them here.