Replacement Carpets

[ORCoaster]

Did any of you guys opt for the mass backing on your Stock Interior carpets.  I went with the standard as I have solid rubber placed in the floor and didn't care for the extra width.  If you have it what is your opinion of it for a sound deadening agent.  That would have been my reason for adding it on. 

Now I just need to find time to lay out the old carpet as a template and cut it out and install.  Maybe after Turkey Day when I have some helping hands.

[vanbcguy]

I read about the mass backing in a bunch of forums before I ordered - the general consensus was that it makes installation nearly impossible for DIY types as it's next to impossible to cut.  They also don't attach the jute backing to the carpet when you go that route, meaning a bunch more screwing around keeping everything in place.

I had StockInteriors send me a couple of samples, including one with the mass back on it.  It's a VERY thin layer of stretchy rubber, though it does make the carpet extremely difficult to cut (I tried cutting both samples with some heavy duty kitchen scissors).  I'm sure it would reduce sound transfer through the carpet, but I think the stuff I got instead will do a better job absorbing vibrations from the body panels since it will actually be attached to them.

BTW the advice I read for making the cuts and things...

- Start by marking the carpet, but cut ONLY a very small hole for the gearshift to start.  Then you can slip the carpet over the gearshift and get it on to the floorpan of the car.  Trim the gearshift hole larger as necessary to get the carpet in to its final position.

- Move outwards from the gearshift with your cuts - use it as the "anchor".  Absolutely don't cut anything else until the carpet is actually in the car and sitting on the floor pan.  You'll probably find the marks you made don't quite line up the way you thought they would.  IE gearshift, then the holes for the seatbelts, inner seat rails, then the outer seat rails, etc.  That way as you move the carpet around to get it to fit your holes will actually be in the right place.

- Cut the smallest holes possible - smaller than what you actually need, then you can slowly enlarge them as you become more confident that the carpet is sitting where it should be.

[ORCoaster]

Thanks for the sound advice.  I either watched their install videos or read somewhere that starting small was the way to go.  Very much like the start in the center and work out method.  Going to use that.  I cut carpet with a new blade in the Stanley knife.  Like drywall if you score it or mark it first you can find the second cut and press a little more on the knife.  Going slow will be the standard.  Why smoke a 200 dollar investment?  I bought the bulk carpet as well and will put that down in the back as one piece.  I have removed the rear seat. 

I have enough extra that I hope to cover the back panel as well and the speaker holes.  Mine are sooty black for some reason. 

From the description of the mass backing I think I went the right way with my standard order as well.  What was it you did for soundproofing?  The paint on bed liner or that mat?  Can't keep my threads straight anymore. 

[vanbcguy]

I got this stuff called 'RoadBlockR' - it's an adhesive-backed sheet with a foil lining, seems very similar to Dynamat.  It's more expensive than the mass back option - $23 for a 2x4 sheet, need 3-4 sheets for a Jetta-sized car.  I've used Dynamat before though, it worked extremely well.  Here's hoping this stuff does the same.  Very good at sucking the vibrations out of metal panels.

[ORCoaster]

VanBCGuy,  Wouldn't a good tweak on the ole injection pump or motor mounts do the same?

Very good at sucking the vibrations out of metal panels.

May have to look at my engine mounts as I have a strange vibration that started today.  Swapped tires yesterday so am noticing the parts that rattle more than I used to. 

What are you using to glue the loose carpet down to the foot panel and floor boards at the doors?  They had this really gooey contact cement on there in the original build as I had to scrape it out.  But was not sure what I should use when the new carpet went down.

Any suggestions or tips you have would be good. 

[vanbcguy]

Re: Engine mounts - my front mount is new, the rear two appear to be ok as far as I can tell on mine.  Still though, Jezzie is not a quiet car by any means.  The larger exhaust definitely "enhances" some of her tonal qualities.  To me I'm dealing more with 'sonic' vibration than anything, though I suppose checking my mounts again wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.

I haven't gotten far enough to check out how the Mk III carpet is attached from the factory in some of those places.  For the most part it appears it is clamped down by plastic trim everywhere.  If I have to use adhesive it'll be a flip of the coin over contact cement or spray adhesive.  I think I'd be leaning towards the spray adhesive, especially if I can find some that's 'repositionable' but still sticky enough to keep things in place.

[ORCoaster]

I did my headliner this past summer with sprayon contact cement.  I only did a heavy coat on the 1/2 inch camping pads that I used.  Then as soon as I finished spraying I would touch it lighly to the area I intended to put it and then pulled it away real quick.  I ended up with a lot of spider webs so I just decided to spray one spot with a light coat and then the pad with a light coat.  That seemed to work well for most places.  I did have to go back on some corners and do the spray and pull method. 

I think I will try the same with the carpets.  I will be spraying the metal floor or the rubber mat it put down and that carpet has the plastic backing on it so I should be able to get it to stick once it gets tacky.  At least this project is on the floor and I won't have glue to clean up from door panels, seats and windows.

Finding suitable warm weather is going to be the real trick.

[theman53]

3M has foam and fabric 74 spray. It is a contact adhesive that is pretty much never remove. They also have a High Tack 76 spray that is not a contact adhesive, so you only need to spray one side. Down side is some of the substrates that you bond in cars like foam SOMETIMES are not compatible with the 76.

[chopper03]

So did anyone get there carpet installed ? pictures ?

[ORCoaster]

I only thought about getting the flat carpet out on the driveway to cut out.  Just too many things to deal with right now.  So it still is in the basement relaxing.  Had to replace some snowtires and it took forever at the shop, only one of three guys working on everything.

Keep with us, I need a window replacement before I want to do the carpets.  No sense getting new carpets wet and moldy.

[vanbcguy]

So did anyone get there carpet installed ? pictures ?

I have my carpet spread out in my spare room at home, but I'm in Atlanta for work for a couple of weeks.  Not sure how much time I'll have when I get back, hopefully I'll get 'er done before the holiday season!

[fdnyguy]

I have a place by me who do molded and a custom fit and prices start at $190 American (probably molded). Would more than likely have the dynamat (or similar) installed as well. Hopefully my soon to be Ex-wife didn't throw out the $50 gift cert. I won at my VW car show. Love my Recaros, but would like to get them redone, and I'm certain that won't be cheap.....

Love to see pics if anyone has them.

Stay safe, stay well. Jimmy.

[ORCoaster]

Closest I got to getting the carpets in all week was to move them out of the way today so the were not in the way when kids come in next week.  Was beautiful most of the week I had off but other home chores needed doing so carpets wait.  I like the feel and look of them,  From Stock Interiors.   

[fdnyguy]

Closest I got to getting the carpets in all week was to move them out of the way today so the were not in the way when kids come in next week.  Was beautiful most of the week I had off but other home chores needed doing so carpets wait.  I like the feel and look of them,  From Stock Interiors.   

Went to their website. Carpeting was cheap $119.99. Place I mentioned wanted $600 to purchase and install the carpeting, $650-900 to redo the Recaros.. Might look for help on this one....

Stay safe, stay well. Jimmy.