Carpet Project B&B

[Wbulk]

In the end we decided to buy an additional yard of vinyl that matched the dash and seats and cut our own binding. In the decision process we also decided to buy a used industrial sewing maching. My wife always wanted one. I did call around and found a place that would sew standard stich binding for a dollar a foot. So that would have cost about $40.00. Buying an industrial sewing machine is as complicated as buying a cobra with the learning curve factor. We decided you need a machine with: a walking foot that lifts 9/16" min, has a reverse, can take at least 92 thread, and has a 1/2 hp servo motor.

We decided to do what I call the blind or hidden stich binding. We learned it from this Youtube video.
A simple way to bind edges on classic car carpets - YouTube

The patterns I did for the insulation/pad were really valuable for the carpet. Once they are used for the pad you can use them again to cut down for the capet, less the pad thickness. The carpet pattern will vary depending on the thickness of the pad used. I ended up with eleven pieces or sections for the inside of the car. It took just about 4 1/2 yards of carpet, not including the trunk, and that's with two pieces I cut wrong and had to redo them. This is not including side panels that I will do out of vinyl. I still have a 2 1/2 yrd roll for the trunk left. In the end I think the whole car could be done with 6 yrds if you don't make any mistakes,- but that would be close.

Just after cutting the second piece of carpet my wife came out and said, "did you match up the nap." What's the nap I asked! She showed me you run your hand accross the material so you can see the direction of the weave. When the naps do not line up the carpet can look odd and appear to be different colors. I lucked out on the piece I cut and then marked the roll "FRONT" with an arrow on the back side. I also marked and cut all the carpet on the back side. It was a lot easier to make accurate traces.

I am still deciding if I should purchase a heal pad or make one out of vinyl so I havn't put the floor piece in yet. In the end I am glad we did it but it would be better as a winter project instead of doing it in the heat. If I was to do it again I now know exactly what and how much to buy. The cost would be just under $350 plus carpet shipping costs.