Carpet install question

[mikester]

I posted this question on a couple of sites but so far no replies. Im getting ready to install the carpet in my 81 Malibu. Plan on doing it Thursday night. One of my friends is doing most of it and Im helping him since hes installed carpet in a few cars. This is a mass backed, one piece carpet from ACC. My buddy says we should start installing it at the back foot wells because of the way the carpets molded and work towards the front. Another friend says to start at the front so the heel pad goes in the right place.
Any good info from you guys ? Im sure theres a bunch of guys out there that have installed their own ! Thanks in advance !

 

[shanghaismith]

I followed the instructions and it worked out fine, what do the directions say? I let the carpet warm in the sun to make it more pliable, I guess you don't have that option being in NY
https://www.accmats.com/Downloads/Content/ACC_Install_Instructions.pdf

 

[Longroof79]

Mich,
As Shanghai said, you have to let the carpet relax prior to installation. I laid mine out on a few sawhorses in the sun...but again, it's been cold up there.
I started up front when I did mine. I'm not 100% satisfied with the way my rear wells came out. Some "bagginess" around the walls. I think a heat gun will also come in handy for some of those stubborn areas. All in all, I'm happy with the quality of the carpet. I also sprung for the mass backed stuff.

 

[L92 OLDS]

I just installed AAC mass backed carpet in a G body Cutlass. As noted follow the directions provided. Do not start in the back. The directions are very clear about this. I found it VERY important to start in the center and work out from there. Trim the edges and cut holes AFTER ensuring a good fit to the transmission tunnel.

 

[mikester]

Ive had the carpet spread out in my heated garage for over a week. I didn't get any instructions with it but I did check out the instruction sheet above (thanks for posting that) . Im not sure if I can start in the middle due to the brackets that are welded in for my shifter and console. I guess were going to have play with it to see which way is easier.

 

[L92 OLDS]

Ive had the carpet spread out in my heated garage for over a week. I didn't get any instructions with it but I did check out the instruction sheet above (thanks for posting that) . Im not sure if I can start in the middle due to the brackets that are welded in for my shifter and console. I guess were going to have play with it to see which way is easier.

That's the whole point. You need to provide clearance in the center for your shifter brackets first. You can often do this by cutting small slits or X patterns. If you don't fit the carpet to the transmission tunnel first it will likely be baggy or loose there. The AAC website has installation videos that show you how it should be done. See link below. Also google " ACC carpet installation instructions" for the .pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gm0WrFY2aMY

 

[85blacksalon]

That's the whole point. You need to provide clearance in the center for your shifter brackets first. You can often do this by cutting small slits or X patterns. If you don't fit the carpet to the transmission tunnel first it will likely be baggy or loose there. The AAC website has installation videos that show you how it should be done. See link below. Also google " ACC carpet installation instructions" for the .pdf

Take your old carpet and lay on top of the new and use it for a pattern to cut out the shifter