K5 carpet kits

[riz]

I know this has been covered before but for some reason I can't find the informative posts I saw before.......... Who has the best price on full carpet kits for the 81-87 K5 Blazer? I know ACC makes most of it out there but who's got it the cheapest? Also, what type should I get that's the closest to factory? I plan on buying it this week. Thanks in advance.

RIZ

[68Timber]

There's a guy on ebay that sells a K5 kit for around $280 IIRC and the mass backing adds another $80. I don't recall the username, I have it on a PC at home and can get it later this week when I get home. Edit to add, this is an ACC kit.

[riz]

Yeah, let me know what you find out. I'll be ordering really soon.

Thanks,

RIZ

[68Timber]

I'm pretty sure it was these guys: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1985-1991-Ch...a21b30&vxp=mtr

I'll double check.

[Stoney]

So what is better?

[68Timber]

Originally Posted by Stoney

So what is better?

I have not done this yet, but from what everyone says, ACC carpet with the optional mass backing is the way to go. That's what I'm going to do with both of mine.

[Stoney]

I've heard the same about ACC carpet with mass backing.

[eighteenninetytwo]

sorry to sound dumb but what is "Mass backing"

[riz]

I will be buying ACC carpet with the mass backing.

What is Mass Backing?
Our Mass Back is made of 40mil thick Ethylene vinyl acetate which gives the carpet a dense rubber backing to reduce heat and noise within your vehicle. The Mass Back is aplpied to the back of the carpet and then molded to the correct shape. This Mass Back carpet more closely duplicates the original factory materials for many later model OEM carpets. Because this is an upgraded product, there is a surcharge for this backing, as well as additional shipping costs. The jute padding will be included with the carpet, and may or may not be attached to the bottom of the carpets made with Mass Back, depending on the application.


RIZ

[eighteenninetytwo]

Would you use an additional sound reducer underneath this carpet or is it sufficient on it's own?

[68Timber]

There's no way I'm doing that job without putting something under it for sound deadening. Lots of guys use a peal and seal product that is pretty cheap from Home Depot or Lowes but reportedly works as well as much more expensive Dynamat-type products, so cost doesn't have to be a factor.

[eighteenninetytwo]

That sounds good. Any idea what the home depot stuff is? I found some underlay called traffic master..

[riz]

The stuff from Home Depot is asphalt based so you may get some smell when it's hot out. If that doesn't bother you then save away.

RIZ

[K5owner]

I would forgo the mass backing and look for the jute padding with the aluminum heat reflector on one side of it. It is cheaper, reduces I interior temps and provides a layer of sound deadening. It can be purchased from upholstery supply shops for around 7-8$ a yard. The entire interior will take about 3-4 yards (to account for cutting splicing and fitting around the trans tunnel and up the firewall a bit) The real change in sound will come from any self adhesive layer that attaches directly to the steel floorboard. You can use a tar like material as mentioned for relatively cheap or one that comes out of a caulking gun. I prefer the tar like material. Both changes or reduces road vibrations and harmonics. If you do decide to use the mass Ethylene vinyl acetate backing you will need to be able to heat it to get it to conform to your vehicle even when molded. Reason is is it doesn't hold it's shape well after sitting in a box for months on end. They usually cut the carpets to fit their mold pans and i have seen and worked with carpet kits that were too short in places around trim and kick panels because they wouldn't conform or lay flat like they should. So you will need an industrial steamer and good summer day for it to lay out and fit correctly. 20 years ago I worked in my father's upholstery shop and for about 6 years through high school and college auto upholstery is all i did. I prefer to use a Binks glue gun and keyston industrial glue for installation as well. The 3M stuff that comes in the aerosol can isn't strong enough for a lasting bond especially if you decide to upholster the rear wheel wells or the trim around the kick panels and up the firewall.

[eighteenninetytwo]

That is really great advice thank you. Couple of Q's 1. What is the the Tar like material and where do you get it?? and 2. What are the options around the rear wheel well? What do most people do??

[K5owner]

I am not sure what it is called as it has several different makers. It is usually in the roofing section. Most carpet kits will give you the option of a passenger area kit or full kit that covers behind the rear seat and the wheel wells. I personally prefer to make my own carpet kit but there is nothing wrong with factory produced kits except the price.

[eighteenninetytwo]

So is it a gloopy brush applied tar like substance or it is one of these roll outable pre-formed tar substances?

[K5owner]

No don't use a roll on tar one. Use the roll of 'tape' looking one that has an adhesive backing on it. It looks like dynomat

[eighteenninetytwo]

Sorry maybe I'm just being super dumb here. The 'Tar like' substance is a paint on, but there is also an option of using a roll on adhesive backed tapelike stuff which will do the trick instead. I assume you use the adhesive to stick that down to the bed, and then you use the caulk like substance to stick the carpet to the top of the tape stuff?

[K5owner]

No the caulk like stuff is a stand alone harmonic dampener used in newer vehicles. Forget about that. Just use the one that is like dynamat. Peel the paper and ally the adhesive side to the steel. You need a industrial auto upholstery glue if you want to make the carpet adhere to the sound deadener.