How to replace automotive carpet

Replacing old carpet in your car can bring back a feeling of new car! I will carefully explain the complete process and tools you will need.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• carpet kit (available at most aftermarket auto websites)
• scissors
• utility knife
• screw drivers (flat and Phillips
• SAE and/or Metric socket set

1. 
    
   Note the holes from the old carpet. You will need to create new ones

   The first thing you need to do is remove everything from the carpet. This usually includes the seats, center console, and door jam molding. Start by removing the seats... Find the proper size socket to unbolt the seats. Take extra care to disconnect any electrical connections that there may be.

2. 
    

   Remove the center console if equipped. For a 1994-2004 Ford Mustang, you must open the console hatch and unscrew the retaining screws. for a mustang, the parking brake must be completely up before the console will pull up and remove. This process will vary from vehicle to vehicle. It might be best to consult a repair manual regarding your fastener locations and removal.

3. Softly pry the door jam panel located on both sides of the car. it is usually a plastic molding that runs the length of the door. Yours might have visible screws that must be removed -- For me, it has retaining clips that give way under pry pressure.

4. 
    

   In most cases the carpet will be free. You can start tugging up on a corner, clearing any small obstacles along the way.

5. Take your old carpet and lay it over your new carpet. With a marker, stencil your new carpet from the holes on the old. Then make your cuts with a knife. It is a good idea to clean the mounting surface prior to installing the new carpet.

6. 
    
   Carpet being fitting on passenger side.

   Lay your new carpet in the vehicle. fit it up as best you can starting from the front to back.

7. 
    
   Carpet installed, center console installed

   Once your carpet is fitted well, making sure your electrical (if present) is through- realign your center console and replace the mounting screws.

8. 
    
   Finished product.

   Finish by bolting your seats down. Make sure that your bolts are plenty tight. You DO NOT want these coming loose!

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes carpet will not lay flat. I recommend purchasing a can of 3M super77 spray adhesive. Just a squirt on the carpet will make it stay in place. Available at most auto part stores
• Either do this on a nice day or undercover. cool days and/or rain make this project awful. Especially if you have troubles with the carpet laying flat.