Hi folks looking for some input. I'm about to replace the carpet on my 1950 Buick Special. I'm thinking about painting the floor with POR-15 before installing the new carpet. Was wondering if anyone has done this? Also can anyone tell me how much of a job it is to replace the carpet? Does the carpet just lay on the floor or does it need to be glued or tacked down in some way? As always the people on this forum are the best and I'd rather benefit from someone's experience that's already done it than find out the hard way. Thanks for any input Scott
POR-15 doesn't like non-rusty metal; if yours is fine, personally I wouldn't waste the money. Carpet is usually only held in place by the seats, doorsill trim and/or the kick panels- it depends on the car. Sometimes they are glued up onto the firewall. It's not a very difficult job, you should be able to do it in an afternoon. Hardest part will probably be getting the seats out.
It will depend on the carpet you use...Automotive carpet comes either hard back or soft back. The soft back is eaiser to form around humps and the like...I always use a heavy jute padding under the carpet,,you will also need some binding on the edges. and possibly a heel pad on the drivers side.also a trim ring for your dimmer switch,,These are available at Upholstery supply houses...as is the jute.
As stated, only use POR15 on the rusty areas. Follow the instructions carefully, it actually cures better in high humidity! Do not get it on ANYTHING you don't want it on including yourself! The stuff has to wear off of skin, so wear gloves and old clothes. Carpet that is cut and trimmed for the car from the supplier is cake to install. Be sure to lay it on a hot driveway for a while, it will conform better when you install it. Good luck, love that Buick!
If you have some money, I highly recommend buying a roll or two of lobucrod's heat & noise insulation. It's worth the cost. When I did my floor, I laid down some peel & seal and then glued down a sheet or two of lobucrod's stuff. Doubled it up on the firewall area too. Then came the new molded carpet from ACC. I ended up with a pretty quiet truck.
I recently replaced the carpet in my 62 Bonneville. I put down 2 layers of Rattle Trap by Fat Mat(like DynaMat only WAY cheaper). I bought a preformed carpet. An upholstery guy gave me a couple tips: lay it out in the sun before you start, (it works easier when warm), and use some contact adhesive or 3M 8090 spray adhesive, that will keep it from moving and help it not bunch up when you slide your feet in etc.
Look on ebay. I got 100 sq ft for $160 to the door. That much Dynamat would require a second mortgage.
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