carpet screw locations

[orwin]

Hello,
My upholstery shop is putting in new carpet in the 60 bird. I didn't note the locations of the screws and now everything is covered with dynamat and insulation. I have the Ford trim assembly manual and it shows how many screws and the approximate locations.

Does anyone have photos of an original interior showing the screws? Worst case he can look under the car to try to find the holes.

Thanks,

John

[Joe Johnston]

Usually screws are approximately located to any pictures you may find. Best to use an awl, nail or wire and find the holes from under the car, plugging the hole and not making more.

[jopizz]

Joe is correct. The hole locations are not exact. The correct way is to lay the carpet in place and use an awl from underneath to poke through the insulation and carpet. Don't be surprised if the original size screws don't grip. The holes have a tendency to become oversized due to rust. I normally have to use larger screws.

John

[Deanj]

Very interesting. The first time I saw those screws poking out the bottom of my car I thought the worst. Then either Dave or John confirmed this was the correct method to install carpeting. I even found one empty hole in my floor-that I promptly filled with a screw.

Careful poking that awl through the new carpet. It's an underrated tool that comes in handy when trying to locate screws holes for all occasions.

Dean

[sidewalkman]

As the hole I put in the palm of my hand can attest, the awl method is the fastest and easiest way. I painted the screw heads as well when I put them in.

[bygrace]

Reading your posts, I am reminded of the bad experiences I have had putting screws thru carpet in various cars. (Finding holes, staying original, etc). But one thing I've learned the hard way is that a screw or drill bit can snag a thread in carpet, winding it up, and ruining a piece by pulling out a 8 - 10 inch row of loops before I could get the drill stopped. So an awl can also be much better for making a hole, not only for finding one. Also, I have melted a hole in carpet with a hot awl or other tool, which makes a nice fray-proof hole. Then if you need to drill there, there's no wind-up. I think I've learned more from my mistakes than I have from successes. But I like learning from someone else's best. Keep the tales coming.

[simplyconnected]

...Also, I have melted a hole in carpet with a hot awl or other tool, which makes a nice fray-proof hole...

I like the 'hot poker' method. Do it from the back side by heating the end of a 6" piece of coat hanger.

It helps to have someone inside the cabin while you poke the hole. - Dave

[sidewalkman]

I like the 'hot poker' method. Do it from the back side by heating the end of a 6" piece of coat hanger.

It helps to have someone inside the cabin while you poke the hole. - Dave

Tried that, but going through the Dynamat made a god awful stink.

[partsetal]

After cutting my hand several times on these infernal screws while working on the seat nuts without the lift I've sworn never to use these screws. I now use velcro to keep the carpet in place.
Carl

[captjohn]

Stick with the awl and use a heavy block of wood to poke into on the inside.

[Deanj]

After cutting my hand several times on these infernal screws while working on the seat nuts without the lift I've sworn never to use these screws. I now use velcro to keep the carpet in place.
Carl

I like that idea Carl! How did you seal the holes? Epoxy?

Dean

[partsetal]

I use a small piece of 'strip caulk' to seal the holes, but epoxy or seam sealer will work also.
I also use Velcro to keep the trunk mat in position and to hang the Convertible trunk mechanism curtain.
Carl