Carpet install on a 67 beetle

[thefreed]

I am going to install carpet in my 67 bug this weekend. Any hints on best way to do it, best glue, ect.

[andk5591]

Just did a 67 a couple weeks ago -
#1 - get a decent kit. TMI or Sewfine. NOT Mid America - Make sure that you know if you are using the footrest or not before you order .
#2 - make sure that you run a few extra wires from the fusebox area to at least under the rear seat. A couple to the engine compartment is a real good idea.
#3 I like 3M Super 77 adhesive, but its not real critical. You don't need to glue it down solid - I do the rockers, the bottom of the kick panels and the flat floor area only.
#4 to pry up the strip along the rockers, I like a plastic putty knife and a wooden paint stick. Rubber hammer to beat it back down when done.
#5 sequence is important - Kicks and rockers, front bulkhead, front floor, rear floor, rear wheel wells and rear back.
#6 does your headliner go under the rear window? If not, you may need to use a little piece to fill it in since the rear carpet doesnt mate up to the window on the TMI kits.
#7 Have some chalk in hand - I use it to mark seat belt holes and when I am test fitting before spraying on the glue so you know where the pieces will go. You dont want to pull it back up after you glue it down.
#8 I make a cardboard template of the E-brake boot to do the cut for it (on the underside of the carpet). Make it your cutout a bit undersized since it opens up a little when you pull the carpet over the tunnel.
#9 get a pack of short shiny twist nails (about 3/4" long) from any hardware store. You use them to nail the kick panel along the top on the A pillar and anywhere else you need a little more holding power - you only need a few of them.
#10 - take your time - its not hard, just tedious - I have done 4 over the last couple years and I have yet to mess one up real bad.

I think thats it.
_________________
D-Dubya Manx clone - 63 Short pan,1776.
Rosie 65 bug - My mostly stock daily driver.
Woodie 69 VW woodie (Hot VWs 7/12).
Maxine 61 Cal-look bug - Cindy's daily driver.
Max - 73 standard project at wife's request and your gonna die when you see this one.

[67 Florida Deluxe]

Regarding the twist nails, the holes will already be in the sheet metal. If you rip out the old carpet, the original nails will likely still be intact, so you can re-use them. Just tap the nails into the holes through the new carpet (after applying adhesive to the carpet, of course). the nails keep the carpet from sagging and the adhesive keeps the carpet secured to the sheet metal.

As stated, pretty simple.
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Wanted:
Atlas Motors and Brundage Motors license plate frames.

A few of my toys

[DHMaher]

I'm doing a similar project only the PO went a little crazy with the carpet screws and I'm paranoid about rust (don't ask). What's the best way to fill some of these holes?

Thanks!
_________________
Daniel
"POs, you gotta love them, because killing them is illegal." -Unknown Samba Member
1967 Beetle - Java Green
See my ads

[DHMaher]

Any suggestions on how to fill unnecessary carpet nail holes?
_________________
Daniel
"POs, you gotta love them, because killing them is illegal." -Unknown Samba Member
1967 Beetle - Java Green
See my ads

[VOLKSWAGNUT]

[DHMaher]

Yes so they won't be seen. I'm talking about preventing rust in them, especially around the luggage tray area. Already had a load of rust issues back there.

Thanks,
_________________
Daniel
"POs, you gotta love them, because killing them is illegal." -Unknown Samba Member
1967 Beetle - Java Green
See my ads

[VOLKSWAGNUT]

Treat any spots and seal them from the elements.
That means clean, prime, paint with rust preventing paint, and then use some seam sealer to fill the voids. You just need to seal them from air, and moisture. Thats all it takes. You could even use some RTV sealer, after treating any issues.
_________________
aka Ken

Your car picture into a kustomizable piece of frameable art. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1471653

Search "VOLKSWAGNUT" on YouTube since you cant watch "IT" here.
Better to roll em' how you want and wear em' out.... then let em' rot out.
It's more about the going --- not the showing.
Rebuilt to drive not decorate.

[DHMaher]

Sounds good. That was the route I was going to go. Would seam sealer after prepping/painting work? I already have some. Sorry for the newbish question. Still learning...
_________________
Daniel
"POs, you gotta love them, because killing them is illegal." -Unknown Samba Member
1967 Beetle - Java Green
See my ads

[russ c]

whats the downside of using mid america carpet kit?

[VOLKSWAGNUT]

[andk5591]

[DHMaher]

[russ c]

ok thanks,i was gonna order a kit from mid america now i wont.which vender did you use for your tmi kit thanks!

[andk5591]

It depends - most everyone handles TMI - Usually I get from CIP1, but it can vary.
_________________
D-Dubya Manx clone - 63 Short pan,1776.
Rosie 65 bug - My mostly stock daily driver.
Woodie 69 VW woodie (Hot VWs 7/12).
Maxine 61 Cal-look bug - Cindy's daily driver.
Max - 73 standard project at wife's request and your gonna die when you see this one.

[cory464]

[andk5591]

Yep - that old carpenters rule. measure once - cut twice....
_________________
D-Dubya Manx clone - 63 Short pan,1776.
Rosie 65 bug - My mostly stock daily driver.
Woodie 69 VW woodie (Hot VWs 7/12).
Maxine 61 Cal-look bug - Cindy's daily driver.
Max - 73 standard project at wife's request and your gonna die when you see this one.

[russ c]

ok thanks guys,when you look at their catalogs it seems like good stuff.i guess not

[andk5591]

Agreed - very nice catalog. And didnt they buy out a VW retailer in Colorado or something (OE Vdubs????) ?

I just dont get a warm fuzzy when I talk to them - Like they arent car people at all, just bodies in a call center. Oh well.......

Sorry - getting off topic.
_________________
D-Dubya Manx clone - 63 Short pan,1776.
Rosie 65 bug - My mostly stock daily driver.
Woodie 69 VW woodie (Hot VWs 7/12).
Maxine 61 Cal-look bug - Cindy's daily driver.
Max - 73 standard project at wife's request and your gonna die when you see this one.

[DHMaher]