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1965 Mustang Restoration: Interior Rehab Steve Magnante and restoration expert Chad White reveal their interior motives as they restore the inside of the '65 Mustang fastback. From "Classic Car Restoration" episode DCR-508

(Continued from page 3)

	Restoration specialist Chad White with the new carpet mat

The next project in the interior restoration is installation of the carpet and padding.

Restoration specialist Chad White continues to help Steve with the interior restoration by installing a sound-reducing underlayment to the floor of our Mustang. Then they install new molded red carpet that fits beautifully.

The basic steps in the procedure, as seen in episode 308 of Classic Car Restoration, are summarized below.

Tools and materials:

awl
drain tube
carpet
underlayment
contact adhesive
utility knife

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	The new carpet, pre-formed to fit the '65 Mustang, and replica trim piece.
	The underlayment panels provide a base for the carpet and help deaden road noise.
	Steve and Chad install the new carpet underlayment.

Installing the Carpet and Seat

• When installing the interior carpets, spray adhesive helps keep the underlayment panel from shifting as we install the carpeting.

• Also apply spray adhesive directly to the floor board. This is a contact spray adhesive, so let it air dry for a few seconds until it’s "tacky".

• Install underlayment over the shifter and press down firmly.

• Next is to install the passenger’s side underlayment panel and the panel that goes under the rear seats.

• After the underlayment panels are set in place on each side, the carpet is ready to be installed.

• It might require a little fitting a trimming according to the layout of the floor board.

• Apply a little bit of contact adhesive to the back of the carpet before laying it down. Let this air dry a little until it’s tacky to ensure a strong bond.

• After it is tacky, take your time pressing the carpet into place to eliminate any wrinkles and let the middle form to the floor.

• With the carpet secure, cut a hole for the dimmer switch, install the grommet through the carpet hole and secures that around the foot switch.

• Use an awl to locate the air conditioning drain hole and cut a hole in the carpet using a small knife.

• Then install the drain tube through the carpet and floor and attach the tube to the ac unit.

• Next locate and cut the holes for the seat installation.

• The front seat is installed, lining the seat track bolts up with the holes in the carpet and floor and press the seat down and into place.

• Then the seat track spacers are installed. Later go under the car and tighten the seat bolts up.

• The shifter trim is installed by simply slipping it over the lever and boot and under the rubber, which holds it in place.

• Lastly, trim away the excess carpeting at the door sill.

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