Installing carpet from bulk

[nonhog]

Certain projects make me want to give up cars as a hobby. Laying carpet is one. The front section will be (has been) easy. The back section where the rear passenger foot wells are is giving me fits.
I have gotten some helpful advice on another forum. Just always a good idea to see if others can shed light. Not interested in the available carpet kits. Not happy with the fit and the price is not right. (pun)

This picture is a trial run with house carpet.

 

[nonhog]

Rear foot wells

 

[olds70supreme]

Keep us in the loop, I have wondered about using non-formed carpeting for some time and am curious to see any tricks you might have picked up.

 

[ebamba]

A loooong time ago a friend of mine was installing some home flooring-grade carpeting (it was all the rage in the 70s) in his truck. Upholstery guy told him to use a rubber mallet to form the carpet over any shaped areas. Work good, but it did have its limitation. Not sure if it'll work with automotive-grade carpeting though?

 

[Playwme]

Isn't steam used by the pros to help the carpet mould and keep its shape? Looks like a standard style steam cleaner when I've seen it being done.

 

[nonhog]

Keep us in the loop, I have wondered about using non-formed carpeting for some time and am curious to see any tricks you might have picked up.

I'll update with good or bad results. Maybe less detail if its bad.

A loooong time ago a friend of mine was installing some home flooring-grade carpeting (it was all the rage in the 70s) in his truck. Upholstery guy told him to use a rubber mallet to form the carpet over any shaped areas. Work good, but it did have its limitation. Not sure if it'll work with automotive-grade carpeting though?

Having just used home and auto carpet I could see where the backing might form on home carpet with force but not with the auto. The home backing is rigid where auto is soft.

Isn't steam used by the pros to help the carpet mold and keep its shape? Looks like a standard style steam cleaner when I've seen it being done.

Yes, I was hoping the heat gun would work but probably only for small areas of stretch.

I've been advised to cut and sew, rather than "form" problem is not having a sewing machine that would sew carpet. I suppose I could hand sew it.
Take my time and attempt to get a strong bond. (sounds iffy)

 

[gungatim]

i've found the backing on home carpet way too stiff to get a good flexibility around humps and things, but there is (was at least) a bulk black carpeting you could get at the carpet stores marketed as bathroom carpet. It had a flexible white rubber backing, similar to a floor mat or entry rug. very flexible and easy to form. the bonus is that it could be glued down nice with spray glue (have even used hot glue gun in spots to tack it) and stay in place while molding it around areas with sharp or deep curves. It's been a few years since i've done it so not sure where to get it anymore (used to be a colortyle chain flooring place that carried it) bonus was it was dirt cheap and came in 6'wide roll just cut to length.

 

[ebamba]

Yeah, big difference between household and automotive carpet backing. Since you were also thinking of sewing pieces together, have you thought of using reinforced, self adhesive seaming tape? Here is a link to a carpet install I just found, not sure if you came across it already http://www.jefflilly.com/fabrication/carpet-install-2/ ; might have some tips you can use.

 

[nonhog]

i've found the backing on home carpet way too stiff to get a good flexibility around humps and things, but there is (was at least) a bulk black carpeting you could get at the carpet stores marketed as bathroom carpet. It had a flexible white rubber backing, similar to a floor mat or entry rug. very flexible and easy to form. the bonus is that it could be glued down nice with spray glue (have even used hot glue gun in spots to tack it) and stay in place while molding it around areas with sharp or deep curves. It's been a few years since i've done it so not sure where to get it anymore (used to be a colortyle chain flooring place that carried it) bonus was it was dirt cheap and came in 6'wide roll just cut to length.

One online wholesale upholstery supplier is local so I picked up a nice grade carpet, and am happy with it.

Yeah, big difference between household and automotive carpet backing. Since you were also thinking of sewing pieces together, have you thought of using reinforced, self adhesive seaming tape? Here is a link to a carpet install I just found, not sure if you came across it already http://www.jefflilly.com/fabrication/carpet-install-2/ ; might have some tips you can use.

I do have that tape. And might use it? However its laying down very well.
Its been sitting in the car for a few days. It was actually warm here the other day and I set it outside to heat up. I think its real close to forming all by itself. It will have a couple puckers I may need to work out with heat.

Probably glue down the hump part as well as the rear edge. Hoping only a couple small relief cuts and all will be good. I'm dreaming!