Carpets

[Alex'n'Ane]

I am getting a new carpet set, and was wondering if anyone had a view on whether the set listed as "newton commercial" (£30 more) was any better than the 'ordinary' carpet set? How? Also has anyone fitted the underfelt kit? (any good?) and how do the carpet fixing stud & clips attach them to the floor?

[aupickup]

i have the newton commercial carpet set and the gear box tunnel and prop shaft tunnel is tailor fitted in a moulding and very easy to do
also comes with spoundproofing for the gearbox tunnel and prop shaft tunnel

[PSL184]

Bull Motif allegedly sell the best carpet sets. I have a set but not fitted them yet...

[IaininTenbury]

Just fitted a NC carpet set, it was very nice and well made. The moulded gearbox cover part isnt as original (they were cut and sewn) but you could argue that its better! Original carpets don't even have the edges bound and sewn with vynil.
Its still a pity that no one does a carpet set with the separate strips of carpet to go under the seat mounts, so you can take out both the front AND back floor mats without having to unbolt the seat, but thats probably me being abit finicky.
The NC set was nicely cut out round the pedals and dipswitch which saved a lot of fiddly work - other sets you have to sort this out yourself.

[mike.perry]

Not impressed with the last NC set for my Series MM. I had to cut the holes for the pedals, steering column and dipswitch myself. When I discussed this point at the 60th Anniversary National Rally I was told that they were for left or right hand drive, despite having a rubber heal mat on the right hand side. The section over the propshaft tunnel in front of the handbrake is also a poor fit.

[IaininTenbury]

I'd be happier if someone could produce carpet sets to original spec to either the earlier or late pattern (late ones have a one piece front mat over trans tunnel and both footwells, likewise a one piece mat across the back I think. Earlier sets have the familiar seperate footwell mats, all unbound not sure when the later style appeared - I have samples of both).
It could be offered as a separate option, a more blingy set with bound edges and heat moulded transmission tunnel pieces for those who want it and a more original set for the restorer concerned about originality. I assume that NC have tooled up for heat moulded carpets for other vehicles in their range and are keen to use the kit as much as possible.

Conversely, I had a set a couple of years back from one of the usual suppliers, for a Series 2 van. I know vans didn't have carpets originally and was pleasantly surprised to find these available. Less impressed to have to do huge amounts of cutting and trimming and then using a piece I'd cut off the back of the trans tunnel to fit in elsewhere. Would have been more satisfying to have started with a roll of carpet and cardboard templates... The manufacturer of that set didn't put their name on the bag....

[ASL642]

Try Tech Autos UK.

I have a set in my Convertible. Not cheap, but they really fit well around the gearstick/handbrake area. Good quality properly bound carpet. Worth the money.

They sell through Ebay. Loads of colours as well.

[IaininTenbury]

Here's a picture of an original carpet set from a late 2dr saloon. Viewed from the rear towards the front, its missing the LH small strip that the seat bolts through but otherwise is as it should be with one piece mats for frotn and rear and no binding. Its also a very thick quality material with short dense hairs, not the usual carpet tufts.
I doubt if the material is available, but I've made a couple of sets up myself in the past using this as a pattern. Probably only me who cares though...
[frame][/frame]

[Neil MG]

I agree with Mike, the NC set is nowhere near the original for the Series II either. I fits and looks ok, but is a different shade (colour), different material, different heel pad, missing binding (around handbrake) and not cut to quite the same pattern.

I have the original and will do as Iain and make my own...

[DaisyMayFozz]

i have noticed that many of the new carpet sets do not have the pad on the gearbox tunnel next to the clutch. ( triangular shaped) or am i wrong?

[IaininTenbury]

No you're not wrong, I haven't seen any new carpet sets of any make with the triangular foot rest pad included.
Happy to be proved wrong though...

[DaisyMayFozz]

I wish they would include it though as mine is starting to wear in that place! I have a plan to cut a piece off an old rubber car mat and stick it there.

[dp]

For the skinflints among us, you can get some very nice offcuts from the carpet shop and use the old carpet as a pattern to cut yourself a new one. The size you need is almost useless for anything else so the shop is often glad to be rid. Bit sore on the hands cutting but gets the job done.