Installation Tips for Replacing Floor Carpet

A.) Remove old carpet.

1.) Remove sill plates. (Note – Be sure not to lose screws as you remove them. Putting them in a plastic cup is a good idea. Replace rusty screws.)

2.) Remove front seat bolts. Some seat bolts go through the bottom of the vehicle. In this case, remove the rubber plug to access the bolts. You will need a deep-well socket to remove the bolts.

3.) Remove front seat. (Note – Be careful to check for electrical wiring. If wiring is present, disconnect it at the male/female connector.)

4.) Remove seat belt bolts.

5.) Remove console (where appropriate). (Note – Be careful to check for electrical wiring. If wiring is present, disconnect it at the male/female connector.)

6.) Remove kick plates.

7.) Remove back seat back bottom cushion.

8.) Remove old carpet.

B.) Prepare the floor pan.

1.) Vacuum or sweep the floor pan. Remove any felt or insulation that was attached to the old carpet. Do not remove any body insulation such as tar board or waterproofing.

2.) Use a stiff wire brush on rust spots and a mild solvent to clean the floor pan. The cleaner the floor pan, the longer a new carpet will last. You may want to “paint” the floor pan with a rust inhibitor.

C.) Install the new carpet.

1.) Your new carpet is molded to fit your car, so gluing is not necessary. Lay your old carpet over the new carpet to verify the location of holes ant to trace the carpet’s outline (if needed). Use chalk to make all necessary markings. Be sure to locate and mark any additional cut-outs with your chalk, If additional cut-outs (be absolutely certain about this) are necessary, use a sharp carpet or razor knife. Do not make any cuts until you fully understand the carpet layout. (Note – Once you have verified that you need to make cuts, a small slit as opposed to a hole, usually works fine and is easier to cut.

2.) Replace the back seat bottom cushion.

3.) Replace kick plates.

4.) Replace console (where appropriate). (Note – Be careful to reconnect electrical wiring).

5.) Replace seat belt bolts.

6.) Replace front seats. (Note – Be careful to reconnect electrical wiring).

7.) Replace front seat bolts. (Note – Oil the bolts well. This will make future installations easier). Don’t forget the rubber plugs.

8.) Replace sill plates.