Careless Posted April 20, 2015 Share #1 Posted April 20, 2015 I found a box in the pile-o-stuff with original diamond-pattern vinyl for the resto I'm undertaking, but the carpet I've been given looks pretty bad for a resto car. It would be sub-par for a street car that needs some form of carpet or another, but not ideal for a resto at all. dying it with Rit won't save it, so I'm on the lookout for a 3rd party set... But after looking at 5 different websites, and from my passed experience with my Z31 300zx carpet purchase- I will say that I am weary of just buying any one of the items I've stumbled across. Does anyone make a reproduction item that is as close to early 70's as possible? Or is it even possible to get NOS ones? looking for black carpet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfa.series1 Posted April 20, 2015 Share #2 Posted April 20, 2015 Seatz Mfg. makes the original loop-style kit for our cars as well as some of the best OE-equivalent seat covers. I think MSA is one of their retail outlets. You can check with Seatz to be sure. I have both kits from them - outstanding quality!http://www.seatzmfg.com/seatz/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Careless Posted April 21, 2015 Author Share #3 Posted April 21, 2015 (edited) Thanks for the recommendation, Jim. Is the carpet a cut to fit style, or does it come with the edging/piping around the perimeter like the OE style carpet does? The photos of their product installations don't quite illustrate this point. The carpet I do have here seeeeeeeeems ok, but its pile is a little flat in some areas. If I were to dye it, it would most likely come out looking like a new used part, but if the Seatz carpet does not have the edging, I guess that's something that has to be installed afterwards? I wonder if purchasing the OE style carpet pile and then cutting it myself is an option. The ones I have here are not shriveled like some other examples I've dug out of some vehicles. I would just have to buy a bag of espresso for my friend's Nonna and she'll probably sew up the edging for me too. j/k. Has anyone ever attempted to recreate the carpet using the correct pile carpeting? I think my process would be (if I tried): - buy large sheet of stiff cardboard. - spray glue OE carpet to cardboard. - gently/accurately cut the carpet shape out of the cardboard - spray glue cardboard cutout to new pile - gently/accurately cutout the new pile carpet shape - edge-band the pieces - put in new snap buttons in proper locations. the only issue would be trying to find a food pad. This one is far beyond re-use. I will email Seatz mfg for photos in the meantime. Edited April 21, 2015 by Careless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfa.series1 Posted April 21, 2015 Share #4 Posted April 21, 2015 The carpet kit is fully finished and edge bound, no cutting or trimming required - the driver's side has a heel pad. Firewall snaps are on the two front sections. All pieces have padding glued to the underside. Your post mentions pile, remember - the early cars had loop style not cut pile. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
siteunseen Posted April 21, 2015 Share #5 Posted April 21, 2015 (edited) Here's another old time company just down the road from me. They have an e-bay store that's a little cheaper. http://www.accmats.com/Commerce/Search.aspx If you'll notice part numbers, there's a lot of middle man profit being made. Edited April 21, 2015 by siteunseen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zed2 Posted April 22, 2015 Share #6 Posted April 22, 2015 Contact http://autockms.com/, they have the original patterns. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Careless Posted April 22, 2015 Author Share #7 Posted April 22, 2015 The carpet kit is fully finished and edge bound, no cutting or trimming required - the driver's side has a heel pad. Firewall snaps are on the two front sections. All pieces have padding glued to the underside. Your post mentions pile, remember - the early cars had loop style not cut pile. Indeed, the carpet I have is a loop style- I used the incorrect term. Thanks for pointing that out- just incase anyone is looking for the proper carpet in the future that should save them some grief. So by your assessment, Jim, I was wondering if you can answer a couple of simple Q's for me: Is this a drop in replacement with virtually no fussing required?How is the foot pad quality?Are there only 5 pieces for the carpet in total? (2 rear pieces with small rectangle cut-outs, 2 floor mats, and cabin carpet).I don't see a rear/hatch area carpet in my pile of stuff, I guess that's separate? I emailed Seatz, and they just told me to ask their distributors instead. Not my idea of a company that wants to actually sell their product :-/ siteunseen, checking that site now, I wish these guys would have some photos of their product, I wouldn't have to ask so many questions! I'll email them for some photos. Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Careless Posted April 22, 2015 Author Share #8 Posted April 22, 2015 Contact http://autockms.com/, they have the original patterns.Keith Do they sell the patterns, or the carpet as a kit? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfa.series1 Posted April 22, 2015 Share #9 Posted April 22, 2015 (edited) Raff - Yes, its a std 5-piece kit: floorboards, behind seats, rear deck. It is a drop-in as you suggest, the rear deck piece secures under the U-shaped plastic retainer just like OE. The heel pad is about 6"X12", ribbed, sewn in - looks very good. I saw your comment about their email response. I sent a note this morning requesting retail contacts, will see what kind of response I get.Jim Follow-up response from Seatz on retail sources: MSA and Z Car Source. Edited April 22, 2015 by jfa.series1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zed2 Posted April 23, 2015 Share #10 Posted April 23, 2015 Do they sell the patterns, or the carpet as a kit? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zed2 Posted April 23, 2015 Share #11 Posted April 23, 2015 Do they sell the patterns, or the carpet as a kit?They sell the carpet ready to install. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Careless Posted April 23, 2015 Author Share #12 Posted April 23, 2015 Thanks for all your help, gents! This car is really coming a long rather quickly due to your assistance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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