Anyone have the VB carpet kit?
08-15-04, 10:28 AM
#26
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Good info Thanks! I am definitely going to have to replace to rear carpet, it has holes so I may give the A1 Auto stuff a try. Didn't see a good color match for the burgandy but I may but light and dye it.
On that note, I was fishing for interior parts on the parts forum and gslse_in_vt suggested a VHT brand of leather/vinyl spray dye, had nice results with it. I did some research based on his suggestion and found these guys below out in cyber space. If you really want to match a specific color, they make repair kits and dyes for vinyl, leather AND carpet.
You can buy kits to match the color yourself or if you can send them a 2in x 2in sample they will match it for you for a minimum $40 product order. I am going to give it a try and see how close I can get to the origianl burgandy on my restoration project. I'll let folks know how it works out. Hopefully, this will save me considerable money on the interior, especially the door panels, brake pull, shifter, steering wheel center, etc. The interior is actually in really nice shape, just faded in places and I am trying to keep it as original as possible.
http://www.leatherworldtech.com/
On that note, I was fishing for interior parts on the parts forum and gslse_in_vt suggested a VHT brand of leather/vinyl spray dye, had nice results with it. I did some research based on his suggestion and found these guys below out in cyber space. If you really want to match a specific color, they make repair kits and dyes for vinyl, leather AND carpet.
You can buy kits to match the color yourself or if you can send them a 2in x 2in sample they will match it for you for a minimum $40 product order. I am going to give it a try and see how close I can get to the origianl burgandy on my restoration project. I'll let folks know how it works out. Hopefully, this will save me considerable money on the interior, especially the door panels, brake pull, shifter, steering wheel center, etc. The interior is actually in really nice shape, just faded in places and I am trying to keep it as original as possible.
http://www.leatherworldtech.com/
08-15-04, 04:14 PM
#27
I went to my friendly local auto paint supplier. Took in samples of my carpet, vinyl and fabric. They got out their color charts and mixed up a SEM interior spray paint for me. Used an airbrush and touch-up gun, giving everything 2 coats. They can adjust the gloss or reflectivity factors in the paint mixture, went with 50%. It is a little dull but a light rubbing with the nap side of a carpet scrap brings out a nice sheen.
I painted everything in the car that wasn't being replaced by the new carpet, fabric or vinyl. This includes all of the hard plastic parts, the dash which was removed, and the steering wheel. I found a set of gray seatbelts at the wrecker, still need to clean those up. SEM also makes dyes so you may want to try them out.
I have a GS with gray interior and it has the usual sun fading in the back. I've concidered sanding out the fade since the color goes clear through the plastic, but then I lose the embossed texture of the part and don't think i"ll be happy with that look. The texture will actually hide most of the minor scratching, but when you paint the deeper scratches become more pronounced. I may have to checkout SEM and see if they have a dye that will work on the hard parts.
I applaud you on wanting to keep your car original, I've seen some that were 'custom' i.e. if it comes off easy it gets painted white, yellow or whatever (gag).
If your dash is faded here is what I did with a burgandy one I have. The windshield was out and I was tired of looking at the fade, so I got out my battery powered drill and chucked a soft brass wire wheel in it. Then very gently, at low low speed, brush the dash cover. Most of the fade is vinyl that has outgassed, (lost all of it's solvents) and becomes dry and crusty. You will see this come off as a dust when you have the proper speed and pressure. This must be done very gently and patiently. If you press too hard you will see fine gouges from the wire wheel, if you do it just right, you will remove the dried out dead vinyl and maintain the original texture. This works best with the dash out of the car, or the winshield out. It's nearly impossible to do in the car. After the entire dash is done, coat with a good vinyl dressing a couple of times.
The above method does not work for the steering wheel grip or the hard plastic and rubber parts. After I did the dash in that car a couple of people came by and saw it in the shop and thought I had either painted or replaced it. It was quited dried and faded though. The worse it is the easier it seems to be able to do. The shift boot is so faded that it is now green. If I could turn it inside out it would look brand new.
I painted everything in the car that wasn't being replaced by the new carpet, fabric or vinyl. This includes all of the hard plastic parts, the dash which was removed, and the steering wheel. I found a set of gray seatbelts at the wrecker, still need to clean those up. SEM also makes dyes so you may want to try them out.
I have a GS with gray interior and it has the usual sun fading in the back. I've concidered sanding out the fade since the color goes clear through the plastic, but then I lose the embossed texture of the part and don't think i"ll be happy with that look. The texture will actually hide most of the minor scratching, but when you paint the deeper scratches become more pronounced. I may have to checkout SEM and see if they have a dye that will work on the hard parts.
I applaud you on wanting to keep your car original, I've seen some that were 'custom' i.e. if it comes off easy it gets painted white, yellow or whatever (gag).
If your dash is faded here is what I did with a burgandy one I have. The windshield was out and I was tired of looking at the fade, so I got out my battery powered drill and chucked a soft brass wire wheel in it. Then very gently, at low low speed, brush the dash cover. Most of the fade is vinyl that has outgassed, (lost all of it's solvents) and becomes dry and crusty. You will see this come off as a dust when you have the proper speed and pressure. This must be done very gently and patiently. If you press too hard you will see fine gouges from the wire wheel, if you do it just right, you will remove the dried out dead vinyl and maintain the original texture. This works best with the dash out of the car, or the winshield out. It's nearly impossible to do in the car. After the entire dash is done, coat with a good vinyl dressing a couple of times.
The above method does not work for the steering wheel grip or the hard plastic and rubber parts. After I did the dash in that car a couple of people came by and saw it in the shop and thought I had either painted or replaced it. It was quited dried and faded though. The worse it is the easier it seems to be able to do. The shift boot is so faded that it is now green. If I could turn it inside out it would look brand new.
08-17-04, 01:48 PM
#28
Well, got the VB carpet kit today. Overall its not bad, but its certainly not even close to Mazda quality. On a scale from 1-10, 1 being indoor outdoor carpet from home depot made to fit, and 10 being nice new Mazda carpeting (which you can't get) I'd say this is like a 6 or 7. The color is nice, and it seems to be the right shape and molded right. But its thin and cheap feeling like said earlier. I'm gonna get some carpet padding from Lowes to put under it. The one thing that I don't like is the heel pad, it looks like ****, not even close to stock looking, its too small and looks like a piece of plastic. I'm not happy about that, but otherwise it's alright. I'd like to see the 1a auto carpet in person, to compare the 2. Anyway, I'll post pics when I permanently install it.
08-17-04, 02:06 PM
#30
I read your email
Originally Posted by 82transam
The one thing that I don't like is the heel pad, it looks like ****, not even close to stock looking, its too small and looks like a piece of plastic. I'm not happy about that
08-17-04, 08:32 PM
#32
haha, if you guys wanna meet at my place first so we can push the car there, then sure i'll put it in at the camping trip. 
and I agree with bob about the stock heel pad, I don't have mats in my S and like it that way. I may end up putting mats in the GS because of this carpet though. not sure yet.
and I agree with bob about the stock heel pad, I don't have mats in my S and like it that way. I may end up putting mats in the GS because of this carpet though. not sure yet.
08-17-04, 10:05 PM
#34
ok forget what I said before, the VB carpet kit sucks majorly. It doesn't fit even close to how it should. I'm definatly returning it. I'm looking forward to seeing pics of the 1a auto kit, as it seems thats what I'll be getting. Man does this carpet blow...
08-18-04, 04:25 AM
#35
Sorry to hear about the VB carpet. I've had the1AAutomotive carpet for over a year and haven't put it in yet. When you get your new carpet, take it out of the box and lay it out on the floor for a couple of days. This allows the carpet to assume it's original shape. When you install it, have a heat gun or hairdryer handy, this will help forming the carpet to the floor pan. If you use a heat gun be very careful with the amount of heat you use. Too much and the nap will curl up and wither.
08-18-04, 10:56 AM
#37
Here are some links to pics of the carpet kit I ordered through Auto Custom Carpets. I found them online.
http://chrisandjocelyn.com/Pics/Rx7R...s/carpet01.jpg
http://chrisandjocelyn.com/Pics/Rx7R...s/carpet02.jpg
http://chrisandjocelyn.com/Pics/Rx7R...s/carpet03.jpg
http://chrisandjocelyn.com/Pics/Rx7R...ages/hatch.jpg
http://chrisandjocelyn.com/Pics/Rx7R...hatchthick.jpg
The only real bummer is having to cut out all the areas needed. Here are some thoughts.
I am going to dye the covers that go over the seat belts to match my new carpet, then I will sew them on. The back hatch piece I will have seemed at the local shop. The carpet kit in general is nice. Just take your time cuting it, you only get one shot.
Chris
http://chrisandjocelyn.com/Pics/Rx7R...s/carpet01.jpg
http://chrisandjocelyn.com/Pics/Rx7R...s/carpet02.jpg
http://chrisandjocelyn.com/Pics/Rx7R...s/carpet03.jpg
http://chrisandjocelyn.com/Pics/Rx7R...ages/hatch.jpg
http://chrisandjocelyn.com/Pics/Rx7R...hatchthick.jpg
The only real bummer is having to cut out all the areas needed. Here are some thoughts.
I am going to dye the covers that go over the seat belts to match my new carpet, then I will sew them on. The back hatch piece I will have seemed at the local shop. The carpet kit in general is nice. Just take your time cuting it, you only get one shot.
Chris
08-18-04, 11:15 AM
#39
Banned. I got OWNED!!!
I still say that you'd be shocked how ugly of carpet can be reused if you put some elbow grease into it. Though throwing money at it works too I guess. That does look good.
08-18-04, 11:56 AM
#40
You might be right bouis, I still have 2 of the 3 main pieces of my stock carpet, its beat, but I think I might try to clean them up and see if I can find a used piece to replace the one I'm missing. If that doesn't work out i'll go with 1a auto, either way the VB one goes back, I just hope they don't give me a hard time about returning it.
08-18-04, 12:27 PM
#41
They should not give you a hard time. As long as you did not cut anything, you should not suffer for poor quality.
I plan on doing some mild showing with my car, that is why I am paying the price, sweat, blood, and $$$$$$ to have mine look really nice. The carpet kits are not bad, but to have a nice OEM, nothing can compare.
I plan on doing some mild showing with my car, that is why I am paying the price, sweat, blood, and $$$$$$ to have mine look really nice. The carpet kits are not bad, but to have a nice OEM, nothing can compare.
08-18-04, 12:36 PM
#42
yea, I just got off the phone with VB, just to make sure they'll take it back, the operator said they would, so I should be set. I went rumaging through the back of the barn to look for my old carpet and found that its not in bad shape at all. Although I am missing one piece because it was soaking wet, moldy, and this was in november so i couldn't leave it in the sun to dry. does anyone have the piece that has the heel pad on it in black they'd be willing to sell? Looks like a few hours of cleaning can save me some decent money. I'll post an ad over in the for sale section as well. Thanks for all the help guys.
08-18-04, 01:19 PM
#44
Rotary Enthusiast
Originally Posted by The Wankler
The carpet kits are not bad, but to have a nice OEM, nothing can compare.
08-18-04, 04:46 PM
#47
There are 2 kits? I'm looking at my VB catalog and all I see is the deluxe kit, which is what I got, at least thats what I ordered. And The piece I need is the front piece yes, it goes from the firewall to the front of the seats. I'm really hoping someone has that piece, cause I didn't realize my old stuff was in such good shape, thats $200 I can put towards my ailing motor 
08-18-04, 04:53 PM
#48
one thing I should note is that most of my complaints revolve around the front pieces in the kit. The hatch carpet isn't too bad. Other than being on the thin side its a pretty good replacement, especially since so many of us has faded hatch carpeting. I can only say that for the black carpet, I don't know how the other colors are. I just figured i'd add that.
08-18-04, 05:20 PM
#49
Airflow is my life
Your gonna be pissed, but I just got the new VB catalog today and they now list a molded carpet kit for only $10 more than the "deluxe" one.
Oh and the Mazda OEM hatch carpet was never anything to write home about. Thin cheap **** IMHO.
I may have a decent front piece you can have (brown, and no Jamie not the one I promised you ). I have to look in the storage unit for it.
Oh and the Mazda OEM hatch carpet was never anything to write home about. Thin cheap **** IMHO.
I may have a decent front piece you can have (brown, and no Jamie not the one I promised you
). I have to look in the storage unit for it.
