How to pad and carpet cargo area?

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Scot - 20 Oct 2004 18:01 GMT

I recently had an Explorer re-carpeted. In the cargo area the bumps and
ridges of the metal floor are very pronounced and the surface is not flat
and cushioned as it was originally. The shop that did the carpeting said
they used padding, but the result is clearly not like original. Does anyone
know how thick the padding should be, or if there's anything else an auto
uphostery recarpting job should do to flatten and cushion the floor in the
cargo area as it is with all original carpeting?

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Searcher - 20 Oct 2004 21:02 GMT

They may have used padding, the problem is that they did not compensate for
the strengthening channels. In order to do a more perfect fit you must
remove the carpet and padding, then what you have to do is cut strips of
additional padding the length and width of the recesses. Doing this will
again make your cargo area flat. I did the same thing when restoring my 81
Bronco, after the carpet and pad settled down into the recesses it really
looked horrible. I took it all back out and fixed it the way I ahve
explained, now it looks great. Since I used better than average padding its
more comfortable too.

Searcher1

>I recently had an Explorer re-carpeted. In the cargo area the bumps and
> ridges of the metal floor are very pronounced and the surface is not flat
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> uphostery recarpting job should do to flatten and cushion the floor in the
> cargo area as it is with all original carpeting?

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Scot - 20 Oct 2004 21:20 GMT

Thanks. Someone told me he thought that originally there were actual strips
of wood slats in the metal recesses of the floor. Does anyone know if
that's true?

> They may have used padding, the problem is that they did not compensate for
> the strengthening channels. In order to do a more perfect fit you must
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
> > uphostery recarpting job should do to flatten and cushion the floor in the
> > cargo area as it is with all original carpeting?

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Searcher - 20 Oct 2004 22:31 GMT

When I removed the original carpet form my Bronco there was "cardboard" type
material only more durable. It was not however wood. I would think that the
wood if not treated would hold moisture, and you do not want that. You could
probably use strips of laminant then put some poly on it. Glue that into the
slots then put down your pad then carpet.

Searcher1

> Thanks. Someone told me he thought that originally there were actual
> strips
[quoted text clipped - 28 lines]
> the
>> > cargo area as it is with all original carpeting?

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RikiTikiTavi - 24 Oct 2004 04:52 GMT

> I recently had an Explorer re-carpeted. In the cargo area the bumps and
> ridges of the metal floor are very pronounced and the surface is not
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> flatten and cushion the floor in the cargo area as it is with all
> original carpeting?

Just for information.

I've done this about 4 times and it works great on a hot sunny non-hummid
day.

I simply use a garden hose, after disconnecting all seat electrical stuff,
and put soak the carpet and use TIDE detergent and a scrub brush. I also
open the water holes underneath the chassis.

I then use a dustpan to get out most of the water, flush, water out, flush,
then use a wet/dry vaccum cleaner for the rest.

Then it's in the sun for a day, with all windows open and doors ( tape down
the door light pins or disconnect the battery.)

Brand new clean carpet!

Oh, and I prespot the bad stains a couple of hours before and scrub with a
stiff brush.

-- riki
--Those who live by the sword get shot by those who don't.

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