Do you remember a time when classic Mustang carpeting looked old and worn out from wear and you couldn't buy it anywhere? That was during the mid-'70s when the only choice available was universal auto carpet kits from J.C. Whitney or your favorite local auto parts store. The carpet wasn't molded, either, which made a classic Mustang more closely resemble your father's Studebaker than a contemporary '60s classic.
When the Mustang parts industry was born in the late '70s, the field was wide open. Many of the big names in this business, including Mustangs Unlimited, started from modest beginnings. In 1978, Jack Holland founded Auto Custom Carpets and began selling molded carpet for older automobiles. In 1984, he purchased Academy Carpets in Dalton, Georgia, and started making his own molded carpeting. In the years since, Auto Custom Carpets has been serving the hobby well with high-quality molded (and custom) carpeting for vintage Mustangs.
We're going to show you how to replace Mustang molded carpeting, as well as some options available from Mustangs Unlimited and Auto Custom Carpets.
Xtreme Carpeting
If you're building a restomod or want something different, consider Xtreme Flooring from Auto Custom Carpets. We're talking hot colors-Limelite Green, Flaming Fuchsia, Electric Blue, Chrome Yellow, Royal Purple, White, and Hugger Orange. It's available for classic or late-model Mustangs. All you have to do is get on the phone and be specific. Auto Custom Carpets will handle the rest.
Seat removal is first. Under...
Seat removal is first. Under the car, pop the floorpan plugs and get after it with a deep well 1/2-inch socket.
There are four locknuts per...
There are four locknuts per seat. Don't lose these fasteners inside the floorpans.
Next, remove the sill moldings,...
Next, remove the sill moldings, also known as rocker moldings. Then take off the kick panels. Most replacement kick panels won't be attached with screws. If your car has a console, it needs to be removed as well.
Take out the rear seat. To...
Take out the rear seat. To detach the bottom, push the seat toward the trunk and pull up.
With the seats out of the...
With the seats out of the way, remove the carpeting. This old reproduction carpeting was installed in the '80s.
Because we're dealing with...
Because we're dealing with a Southern California car, we expected solid floorpans. However, leaking cowl vents are universal. They leak when it rains and whenever the Mustang is washed. These floors will need to be repaired in the future.
When ordering carpet underlayment,...
When ordering carpet underlayment, be sure to get it for beneath the seats as well. There are many types available. Underlayment should deaden sound and insulate from heat and cold. Some trimming was required around seatbelt anchor points.
Because we're using Auto Custom...
Because we're using Auto Custom Carpets from Mustangs Unlimited, it's a perfect fit once everything is seated in place. Trimming will be required once the carpet is seated.
Make sure you have a new razor...
Make sure you have a new razor blade and be careful. Trim to where the carpet reaches underneath sill moldings and kick panels.