Lets talk about carpets....

[John Donohue]

What is the scoop on replacement carpets for Fiat 124 - the ones I have are pretty shot. I see carpet sets online from time to time, and also at International's website. Any recommendaitons, stay away froms?

[So Cal Mark]

several people have gone to Lowe's, bought carpet, cut it to match the old stuff and had the edges stitched. While I don't have experience with that, they rave about the quality and cost compared to those kits sold by the vendors.
You might try world upholstery at worlduph.com and see what they have

[mdrburchette]

While I was shopping at Walmart this week, I found a roll of indoor/outdoor carpet that was amazingly close to the original cornrow carpet in mine. I'll try using my old, curled up carpet as a pattern but if it doesn't work I'm only out $20.

[mbouse]

Several years ago, I had the same question....seems to be quite the expense our vendors expect us to swallow, so I thought I would give it a go myself.

I found an upholsterer who supplied me with boat i/o carpet, intended for a pontoon boat. I used my old original set as a template, and my upholsterer stitched the edges.

Even after I paid her for her work, paid her for the material (she made a small profit off me) I came out substantially less than what our suppliers wanted.

That was several years ago. I had the forethought to ALWAYS use mats in addition to the carpet. The carpet seems to be holding up fine. I expect another 5 years at least out of this, maybe more. Will I buy ready made next time? NOPE. I may use a different type of material, but sure like saving those hard-earned dollars.

[fiater]

I bought a cheap ($120) carpet set from a vendor that will remain nameless and it was a waste of money." You Buy Cheap You Get Cheap" I have bath towels that are stiffer than this carpet set. I think that I'll try to make a set as soon as I get the time and use this one for shop towels!

[spider2081]

I bought the Lowe's inexpensive carpet a couple years ago. I used the old carpet as a templet but left myself a lot of extra and retrimmed it as I installed it. I made the front of the sides quite a bit bigger so they cover more under the dash and near the heater. The hardest part was getting the seatbelt bolts started as the carpet was a lot thicker than the original.
Also, The longest pieces are the sides below the doors. It goes from the rear seat to the firewall. I overlooked that so the knap on mine goes the wrong way. Still I get compliments on its appearence.

[Joe Clemente]

How about the Dutchman on ebay at Automobila.nl? Has anyone purchased any of his stuff. I see it listed quite often and it looks really nice. On the pricey side but very nice. Any experience with his offerings?

[nickfury]

I have purchased right and left side floor pans from the automiblia.nl good stuf good price and unusualy good shiping price i think all total $380usd

[Joe Clemente]

What about his carpets?

[spidernut]

I got carpet from Lowes in the original cornrow style. I used my old carpet as a template. I spent about $25 on the carpet. I paid another $20 to have all the edges bound at a local carpeting store. My original rubber mats were in pristine condition, so I even detached them and stitched them by hand onto the new carpet. I also did the door panel pieces as well and have enough carpet to do the car over again if I wanted to.

It looks nearly original and has held up extremely well. You just can't beat it for $45!

[John Donohue]

Thanks for all the feedback. I think my car has made at home replacement carpets already - I guess I could cut the carpet a bit long a fit it as we go. Sound a lot less expensive than buying a kit.