I'm looking to order a new carpet for my '88 GTA. I'm starting a dash swap this weekend so I have some time. I'm going to be using a 4thgen bird dash and kickpanels. What I need is:

A decent quality carpet, one that isn't all wrinkly after installed, preferably plush not loop
I need both sides cut a little longer near the door, so I dont have a gap where the 4thgen kickpanels/sills will be.
Black (ebony) with heelpad

Does anyone know if I can get a carpet that has those nifty little hooks in them to keep the floor mats from sliding?

Does anyone care to explain the difference between with and without console, one piece, etc? Want to make sure I get the right stuff the first time.

I'm assuming I want a carpet designed for a console, but I'm using a 4thgen console so I dont know what the difference is liable to be. I will have the same stuff as factory under the dash (wiring, airbag sensor) since I am using a 4thgen body harness and yes I will be integrating airbags and ABS.

I'm just starting to strip the interior. I have about a month until I'll be looking to reassemble it so I'd like to order soon. Still have prep to do.

 

i would think youd should get a carpet without the console cutout. i would try hawks or stockinteriors.

 

Not much choice in carpet - ACC is pretty much the only company that makes it. Most places you order from like Hawks, 1A and Rock auto all carry ACC. The carpet is made wider then you need, and you trim it when you install it. So you shouldn't have issues by the sills. There are a few backing options available. If you want a stiffer backing, add the mass back. It is a little harder to install, but it hold its shape better. You could also Dynamat your floor and just use the standard poly back.
You are going to have to trim for the console yourself. Even if you order your carpet with the console cut out, it is no where near big enough for the hole you need, so you will need to trim it anyway.

 

stockinterior uses acc too. i am getting the mass backing stockinteriors mass backing is only $65 extra where as hawks and acc are about $120 extra

 

Ill probably go with mass back...but i dont want it too bulky. Does the carpet come with jute padding? I plan on using dynamat so I dont want to add 50 lbs worth of carpeting and dynamat if I can avoid it, but I really dont want wrinkles or sags anywhere by it being too lightweight.

 

Yes, the carpet comes with jute. If you're planning to use Dynamat, I wouldn't waste your money on the mass backing. It doesn't really add much value.

 

Jim - I like the mass back because it makes the molded carpet more substantial and less prone to wrinkling. The poly back doesn't have much body to it on its own. I really like the way the mass back has kept its shape and sat the way it was supposed to right from the time I dropped it in the car. As far as insulation value, I can't say for sure. But my car feels pretty well insulated without the dynamat.

 

The mass backing also prevents any liquid spill or leaking TTops reaching the floor pans.It's a good investment and it's also what came with the car when new

 

It's certainly a good option for those who prefer it.

 

No, it doesn't. I have pics of the floor in my 87 that was ruined by leaking tops to prove this. Stock carpet. It just keeps the stuff from soaking through as fast.

 

agree, although my floor pans didnt get ruined, i did have water below my stock carpet.

 

My car sat for years outside(no garage)and when I finally decided to restore the car I had 2 ins. of water in the back seat carpet,dry rotted upholstery and a sagging headliner.When I pulled that carpet out,not one sign of rust in the floor whatsoever,the carpet w/the mass backing held that water like a bucket!!

 

i just ordered my carpet from ocautocarpet.com and they got it to me from cali in three days, (today) im installing it this weekend. it was very inexpensive they had so many colors to choose from and the mass backing option, which i went with just because my firebird is pretty loud. about the mat holder rings, it wouldnt take maybe an hour and maybe 20$ to hand sow some on.... not a bad idea, thank you. I might do that myself.

 

I'm waiting for samples from ACC, debating the mass backing or not ... ??
Mass back or other sound proofing ??

Watch the installation video on their web site, it gives a few good tips.

 

i had just gotten carpet and have the mass backing. love it! its what factory came with. highly recommend it

 

Im gonna have to recommend the mass backing it fits so well and i will test it out tomorow for the sound proofing but honestly even the cheapest sound proofing is goin to eventually be close or equal to the cost of mass backing and take more time to install. so ill let you know if its a waste if $ or not.

 

Dug up this old post....looking around for carpet, and I'm seeing the mass backing varies wildly in price depending on who you're checking with.

A few places also carry a "Essex" line of carpet....it's still ACC, but they say 40% more pile....and the cost is nearly double the standard pile. Who's using it? Is it worth it, and can you really tell the difference.?

Which are most of you other guys using - the less or more expensive pile?

 

Dhirocz yeah the mass backing is really nice honestly my car is so much quieter, and it was a pretty cake install. No problems, and after a day or two it looks perfect like a brand new car. It's only like 60$ more and definitely worth it

 

I used what the car came with from factory,Cut Piling with the Mass Backing.

 

Same here. Stockinteriors.com has cheapest mass backing and I highly recommend it

 

That's what I'm getting then. I'm just comparing a couple more places, and I should be ordering it tomorrow!

 

 

Yes,yes..I'm getting the mass backing option too. That's probably the mistake I made on the carpet I'm taking out and why it's so wrinkly. Not doing that again...