Restoring 911 Carpets - worked for me

[jedwards1123]

Hi all,
Thought I'd share a bit of experience with those who have scruffy, rather than thread-bare carpets and want to tidy them up a bit as zero cost.

My 1983 911 SC Cabriolet is in pretty good condition, having only covered 70,000 klms from new. However, like all cars, the carpets take a hammering and although not worn out, they get scruffy, unkempt with long shaggy fibres that make an ideal dirt trap and look untidy.

As the carpets in 911's are made from some sort of polyester fibre, the fibres have a low melting point, but under the correct heat, the fibres shrink back on themselves, rather than melt. So to get rid of the scruffiness, I tried a normal domestic hot air gun (paint remover gun) on the lowest heat adn fan setting and that seemed to work pretty well for me.
This is waht I did.

First I brushes them well and then usual normal scissors, I cut off the really long fibres. Hold the sissors flat so you don't curt into the carpet. Then I got the hot air gun and very gently "flicked" the hot air over the carpet, small area at a time, while brushing it with my hand so I could tell if it was getting too hot.
I wasn't heating it very much and it should not be uncomfortable on your hand at any time.
As the air hits it, the little fibres shrink back quickly, so its easy to see and easy to control. Just take your time. Sorry I could not photograph that part, but both hands were busy, and I couldn't hold the camera and press the button with my teeth.
Anyway, it all turned out OK and I was pretty pleased with the outcome.

Hope this helps others.
Cheers
Jeff from sunny Western Australia

[Kroggers]

Nice, will have to try that in the 924

[la2mtl]

Great! Where do you pick up that black leather shift boot? Is that stock or custom?

[jedwards1123]

I made the leather shift boot (hand stitched) out of an old piece of upholstery leather, one of my wife's needles and a pair of pliers. Not very high tech. Stitches were measured out with a school ruler and a nail. Dyed it using leatherique which is great stuff.
Jeff

[Fishcop]

Nice work!

[nesslar]

Very nice; gotta do that myself as mine are just a bit "ragged", though not bad. A little touchup would help. You look to be in the market for seats........

[azasadny]

Thanks!