hex0rz
+1y
I know, I don't see the point in it either; that is, posting this thread when I don't even have any pictures of it. But what the hey, its been a BIG accomplishment to get that freakin carpet in, and I'm proud of myself to say the least...
If your a professional upholsterer, then you know what a first timer had to go through to get the job done! When I installed it, today, it took me 5 hours after I got off work yesterday to dismantle the interior panels, kickers, seats, pull the carpet, and some little misc. stuff.
Today, it took me another good 5 hours, to install the carpet! I cannot believe how much pain it was! It may not have been as demanding as rebuilding my engine, but I would say its up there on the list of: bullshit!
I had problems since I bought the replacement carpet from 1aAuto. It may have been pressed in another floor, but it sure as hell still did not fit right. I managed to get in some of the OEM characteristics. It sits good now, and will not go anywhere. I denifitely 'am glad its over though!
Put the new carpet in after pulling out the old. Try and match it up as best as possible, and simply save your stock carpet. Put it ontop of the new one. Try and match up the contours as best as possible. Then, install the old one on top to match the new carpet. Take a second and list and lower the carpet up to see if the old carpet is pretty close to alignment on the trucks bolt holes and snaps, etc.
Once you have a good placement of the holes vs. the old carpets holes. Take a marker, preferrably a silver or white paint pen, etc. Something that you can see on the new carpet. After you have marked all the snap holes and bolt holes, etc., remove both carpets. I have just learned by experience that if you trace the holes exceptionally well, do not be afraid to cut out the highlighted areas completely. A rule of thumb is to leave excess just in case. Well in this case, do not. It proved to be quit a hassle to remove little pieces of the carpet so things will mount.
After the holes are cut, install the new carpet back in, and well, reinstalling the snaps and bolts, etc. will accomplish your goal of have new carpet that fits properly! There is other misc, things such as velcro and (I dunno what the technical name is for it) white plastic pieces where the scratch plates are at need to be removed and restapled to the carpet. Make sure to restaple them when the carpet is out of the truck. So the staple will travel through the carpet and plastic then get pounded flat by something like a hammer.
I just typed that up to merely help anyone who may not know a thing about doing this oddjob. Hopefully it will atleast help someone else gain knowledge about it. I have never recieved technical help on this kind of issue. And nobody else knows. Installing your own carpet will save you $$$! And you learn something about your truck!
BTW, if you end up woth a stiff carpet that has no "give", try using a steamer, for clothes, or carpet, to heat it up and make it more flexible. I did'nt use one, but it would have helped alot! My carpet is in, and looks good, but to only my knowledge will I know that the carpet is not centered!
So, has anyone else ever done this little aesthetic upgrade? How did you go about doing it? I will post up pictures of my carpet tomorrow, it was dark out when I finished!