I would like to replace the carpet in my '83. I am concerned that the heel pad will not be like the factory, even though the companies say they are. Does anybody have some suggestions as to where I can get a carpet that really matches the original? Classic Industries and Year One come to mind. How do they rate?

Year One and most other restoration suppliers sell ACC (Auto Custom Carpet). I have installed a couple sets, and did not notice any difference in the heel pads or anything else significant. The only carpet I have seen that is any better is by Car Motorsports out of GA, but it costs about twice as much. That is more than likely whats goin back in my 87 TA, though.

I requested a carpet sample from Classic Industries. I compared it to my original, under-the-console sample and here's what I found:

The original carpet is more dense than CI. Although CI carpet is bound at the same "lines" per inch, each line of carpet on the original appears to have more fibers. It's also noticably easier than the original carpet to see the backing when separating the fibers in the CI carpet.

Also, the fibers are much easier to pull out of the backing compared to the original carpet.

Other than that, the CI carpet looks great and visually has the same texture and appearance as the original carpet. I'm just not too sure of how well it would wear.

Larry

The early thirdgens had a differant heel pad than the later ones. When I replaced the carpet in my old '90 everything matched. I am not sure if they have both styles of thirdgen carpet.