Installing RSA carpet.. question

[equality72521]

You guys that have done this, did you remove the sound deadening pads on the rear seat shelf and the speaker shelf or did you leave it in? Is it required to be there for fitment? I ordered the carpet but haven't received it yet so I'm not sure if it says in the instructions. I'm just trying to get a head start.

Some pics:


Yeah, the previous owner painted over the original metallic black paint.





The sound pads in question:



And look what I found when I pulled up the rear seats. This is a euro car and I guess this fell out of someone's pocket many years ago.

[tobluforu]

For me, it pealed out in just a couple of pieces, no scraping at all, but when you do this all the contours will be exposed so it's best to install some form of padding/sound deadening as the rs carpet set is very thin.

[equality72521]

Originally Posted by tobluforu

For me, it pealed out in just a couple of pieces, no scraping at all, but when you do this all the contours will be exposed so it's best to install some form of padding/sound deadening as the rs carpet set is very thin.

So am I better off just leaving these in?

[nineball]

i would leave them in, but since you are so far along i would also pull them up once just to see the condition of the metal behind/under them.

good tip - as you are removing the seat pad slowly work your hand, in a glove, under it as you pull up. this will help keep the jute (padding) attached to the rubber and leave less on the metal. if you take your time you can save about 95% of it. that is of course if it is still in good condition to start.

[MysticLlama]

I removed the upper stuff and replaced with a very lightweight camping mat so that it would sit smooth vs. showing the brackets and such.

I left the lower one that goes over the transmission tunnel because everyone I talked to about it said that it wasn't that heavy in the grand scheme of things, makes the car way louder than the other changes, and the weight is low anyhow.

The side panel stuff I think was pretty light, so I left some of it for shape.

[equality72521]

One more thing, can someone point out where the window regulator pivot is located? I think mine is bad on the driver side so I want to replace both while I'm in here.

[stormmaster]

I left mine in....I like it both ways

[joefrantz]

A lot depends on your goals -- weight reduction, sound proofing, smooth looking install etc.

There are a lot of good options discussed in this thread.

How to install RS carpet and make it look good?

[equality72521]

I want a smooth looking install. I don't care about noise reduction, I run a straight pipe with no muffler so it's loud no matter what. I just don't want all of those lumps. Reading through your link provides a lot of options.

[equality72521]

What did you guys use to cover the lower seat belt assembly near the floor behind the seats?

[joefrantz]

If this is what you're referring to, I left mine uncovered.

[equality72521]

That looks great Joe. Mine has a metal bracket on the top side that the belt rides against. Did yours have it and you just removed it or did it not have one?

[RWebb]

I bet VW or somebody makes a nice black plastic cover for that...

[cole930]

Mark,

I left all the rear padding in. I helps give a better looking contour to the back seats and deck area. Also left the original jute on the rear side panels. I purchased some jute on line and covered the floors and door sills also. I'm very pleased and have received many compliments on the install.
















Use DAP Weldwood Contact Cement. Buy a quart, use the can with the pry off lid. Buy a bag of throw away paint brushes and use one for each section you do then just throw them away and start with a new brush on the next section. Keep a can of final wash close by to clean up drips or spills as you go. Final wash is an auto wax and grease remover used to prep and wipe surfaces before painting you can find it at auto supply or paint supply. It will remove even dried spots of adhesive if you rub the spot with a rag dampened with final clean it will just ball up the glue and not damage or discolor the carpet.
Hope these help and good luck !!!!

Cole

[joefrantz]

Originally Posted by equality72521

That looks great Joe. Mine has a metal bracket on the top side that the belt rides against. Did yours have it and you just removed it or did it not have one?

There was a black bracket that guided the belt through the opening in the cover.
Without the cover, I didn't need the bracket. Sorry, I don't have a picture of it, but I've seen pictures in other threads. You might be able to find it with a search.

[equality72521]

Joe, I just looked at mine and I see what you did. Thanks.

David, that interior looks incredible. I need to figure the order of operations regarding which piece goes in first. My kit didn't come with instructions and I'm confused about 2 pieces. They look like they belong between the seat area and the side under the window.

[cole930]

Mark,

Get me your E-mail and I'll send you one.

Cole

[equality72521]

Made good progress this weekend. Thanks for all the advice. Here it is so far, just need a good vacuum. Next I need to get some new foot pedal covers and decide which mats to get.







Added some Lovejoy boots to the shifter u-joints.

[joefrantz]

Nice job.

[equality72521]

Thanks Joe. I used your seat belt method pictured above, looks good.