DIY Network

Carpet and Seats Upgrade, Part 2 Interior Prep: Carpet Removal From "Tricked Out" episode DTRK-203

	Previous mods on this 1988 Honda CRX include a six-piece body kit, a cowl hood and custom blue steering wheel. In this project, the Honda gets a Tricked Out interior.
	AFTER

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In this project, Tricked Out host Andrew Totolos replaces the factory carpet in a Honda CRX with a new neon-blue interior. Thus far, the seats and storage bins have been removed, and the bins have been covered with the blue carpeting. In this second phase of the project, Andrew removes the old factory-installed carpet to make ready the new carpeting.

Materials used in this episode:

In addition to standard auto-mechanic's tools (wrenches, ratchets, extenders, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, etc.), tools and materials used in this episode include:

Carpet-replacement kit (front and rear; vehicle-specific)
New sports seats
Brackets and sliders for seats
Torque wrench
Extra carpet
Panel-removal tool
Scissors
Utility knife
Spray adhesive
Washers
Binder clips
Safety glasses

The sockets used for this particular application are 17mm and 10mm.

DIY Difficulty Rating for This Project: We gave this a difficulty rating of 3 on a 5-point intermediate-level scale. Experienced gear-heads should have no problem.

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Figure A

To Sound-Insulate or Not?

If you're upgrading the carpet in your car, you may want to consider adding sound insulation at the same time. This sheet material (figure A) is available with self-adhesive backing and can be found at auto specialty stores. The extra insulation will help reduce road and engine noise, and will make your car audio system sound better. The installation is fairly easy and straightforward. However, adding more insulation means adding more weight. Thererfore, you'll need to decide whether a quieter ride or less weight for top performance is more important to you.

Removing the Old Carpeting

With the seats already removed, the next major phase in this project is the removal of the factory carpet and related parts from the CRX's interior. Here are the basic steps.

• Everything that is mounted on top of the carpet must be removed -- including the floor mats, the center console, the seat belts, the release levers, and the foot rest.

• In the project car the center console is in two pieces. Under the trim panel in front of the parking brake (figure B) there are two screws that will need to be removed. Once they're removed, slide the rear section back and pull it up over the parking brake.

• Underneath the plastic, you'll find the connection for the seat belt safety sensor. Unplug it (figure C) and then remove the seat belt latch with a 17 mm socket, and pull out the wire.

  Remove the remaining seat belt attachment points the same way.

  Figure B

  Figure C

  
  

• To remove the front trim section, start by unscrewing the shift knob, and then remove the screws running along either side of the console (figure D) and behind the glove box door. When they have all been removed, slide the console trim back and out (figure E).

  Figure D

  Figure E

  
  

• Slide off the fuel and trunk release handles near the driver's door sill (figure F).

• After the handles are off release the cover by removing the screw under the small trim panel.

• The hood release lever will need to be removed with a 10mm socket along with a couple of 10mm nuts that secure the foot rest underneath the pop-off cover.

• Using a utility knife, carefully trim around the radio center console piece to remove it from the car.

• Cut a slit in the carpet from the firewall to the cutout at the shifter and loosen the carpet. Then get your fingers under the door sill trim piece (figure G) and work it free.

  Figure F

  Figure G

  
  

  	Figure H
  	Figure I

• Once the trim is released, you'll see that the carpet is attached to a retaining strip with clips. Pop them loose with a panel tool (figure H) and set the trim aside.

• Pull the carpet out from around the console in the front (figure I) and over the parking brake handle to remove it from the car.

Important: Included in this summary are the steps in this automotive procedure as shown in the episode. These steps are general guidelines that are applicable to most vehicles. With any particular vehicle, there may be procedures, specifications, settings, tolerances, components, etc. that are specific to that vehicle. There are also variations according to the type and brand of upgrade-kit you select. Always consult your vehicle's service manual when undertaking significant automotive repairs, and read and follow the manufacturer's directions and precautions that come with your kit or replacement parts.

RESOURCES :

Special Resources for Tricked Out episode 203

Auto Custom Carpet, Inc.
Website: www.accmats.com

Toucan Industries
Website: www.toucanindustries.com

Wedge Engineering
Website: www.wedgeengineering.net

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