DIY Network

Carpet and Seats Upgrade, Part 3 New Carpet Installation From "Tricked Out" episode DTRK-203

	The CRX interior BEFORE the upgdrade.
	AFTER the new seats and carpet have been added.
	Media Watch the Video

NOTE: Images on this page may be enlarged for enhanced viewing simply by clicking on them.

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, old carpet and storage bins have been removed, and the bins have been covered with the blue carpeting. In this third phase of the project, Andrew installs the new carpeting. He uses the old carpet as a template to make sure he has a perfect fit for the new rug.

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.

advertisement

	Figure A
	Figure B

New-Carpet Installation

• Use the old carpet that you've removed from the car as a template for all the cutouts you'll need for the parking brake, foot rest, etc.

• Once you have your old piece fitted nicely into your new piece of carpet it's time to start cutting. Make sure you cut your holes about one to two inches smaller than the original cutouts. You can always trim any excess once you've fitted it in the car.

• Start with the center console. Make a slit in the middle (figure A) and then cut away a large amount of the excess (figure B) and do this with all of the larger areas.

• Next, cut the slit down the front of the carpet so it will fit around the console.

• Carefully cut small X's in the new carpet underneath the smaller holes in the old piece.

• Take the carpet to the car and arrange it in place over the brake and gear shifters.
  

• Fit the slit around the center console (figure C). Work the carpet into place so that it lays flat.

• Cut the carpet to size if it does not fit around any of the car's parts. When you're satisfied with the carpet position, tuck the driver's seat belt safety switch under the carpet, and plug it in.

• Attach the seat belt attachments and torque them down to 35-foot pounds (figure D).

• Reinstall the center console trim piece and screw the shift handle into place, and finally, the brake console.

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

• Find the X's over the seat belt holes, put the bolts back into the holes and trim them a little larger so that the bolts can pass through (figure E).

• Attach the hatch and fuel door release levers and the foot rest.

• Trim any carpet overlaps at the corners and install the hood latch.

• At the door sills, slide the carpet under the side storage bins, and then tuck the carpet neatly around the edges and (figure F) replace the door sill trim pieces.

• Torque the last of the seat belt bolts into place and the front-carpet install is complete.

  Figure E

  Figure F

  
  

  	Figure G
  	Figure H

• Once the glue on the storage bin has had time to dry, remove the clips, cut a large X for the lock and reinstall it by sliding in the retaining clip.

• Cut smaller X's for the handle stud to pass through, and then slide the handle back on (figure G).

• The screws are sharp enough to pierce through the carpet to secure the handle.

• In the car, pop in the side storage bins (figure H) and replace the screws that secure them.

• Set the center storage bin in and tuck the carpet down.

• Reinsert all of the screws holding the bin in position and the carpet install is complete.

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

Sport Compact Bolt-On Performance Guide: Import Cars (Sport Compact Bolt-On Performance Guides)
Author: Joe Pettitt
Order this book from Amazon.com.
Voyageur Press (October 2000)
ISBN: 1884089526

Honda & Acura Performance Handbook (Performance Handbooks)
Author: Mike Ancas
Order this title from Amazon.com.
June, 1999
Publisher: Motorbooks International
ISBN: 0760306699

Honda/Acura Engine Performance: How to Modify D, B and H Series Honda/Acura Engines for Street and Drag Racing Performance
Author: Mike Kojima
Order this title from Amazon.com.
April 2002
Publisher: HP Books
ISBN: 155788384X

Honda/Acura Performance Handbook: High Performance Modifications for Street and Drag Racing Applications
by the editors of Sport Compact Car Magazine
Order this title from Amazon.com.
November 1999
Publisher: HP Books
ISBN: 1557883246