Re: purpose of padding under carpets?

[Carlyle Fitzgerald <clfitz@inetone.net>]

> Rich Zuk wrote:
> 
> 88 16V
> What is the role and importance of padding under the carpets?

Sound and heat insulation, and to a lesser extent, comfort.

> Are they replaceable?  Cost?

Yep, and cost can be anywhere from pretty reasonable to dead cheap.  I
got a carpet kit from a local dealer that was *great*--thick padding,
nice color and texture, and two @%#!!& inches too narrow.  They wouldn't
take it back, either, because I had already cut a hole in it where the
stop for the accelerator pedal pokes through.  $128.00 US down the
drain.

Anyway, to stop ranting and try to answer your question, I've seen some
padding that has silver heat-reflective backing for ten dollars at a
local auto store.  Really thin carpet costs the same.  I tried some, and
it seems to work pretty well but I doubt it'll live very long.  It's a
pain to clean, too; the weave is very loose and stuff like little sticks
and grass cuttings stick *in* it, not on it.  JC Whitney has some stuff,
too, but I've never used it and can't comment.

Unless you're really good, stay away from the carpet you can buy in
carpet stores.  It's hard as heck to get right, especially in areas like
the intersection of the floor, the backseat shelf and the rocker panel
area.  You have to do some really creative cutting!  I tried it once,
then just gave up and let it wrinkle.  Fixing it is on my list of stuff
to do this summer, when it's dry and warm and I can clean the interior
with something (don't know what yet) that will let contact adhesive
stick to the metal.  (I have a friend who used to help his dad do
upholstery work, and he's volunteered to show me how to do it. :))

> Carpets and underpadding got soaked completely from moonroof leak.
> Carpet is washed and clean, but the underpadding seperated from carpet
> and is soaked.  Waiting to dry
> Rich

It'll probably be OK.  Mine got soaked, too, from leaving the window
open one night when it (or course) rained.  I just let it dry, and it
was good as new.

Carlyle

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