TR2/3/3A TR3A Carpet Installation

[Skidude]

A couple of questions:

First - is a special tool required to bend over the sharp points of the snap rings?

And - how do you all feel about putting down sound deadener/insulation mats underneath the carpets - an if you do - does the thickness of the mats affect the fitting of the carpets - especially over the transmission tunnel?

 

[TR3driver]

Probably easier with a tool, but I just used the side of some big pliers.

I definitely like having insulation, makes a big difference in comfort when the weather is hot. My center section was long enough to cover the extra thickness. I cut the insulation and carpet to fit over the seat rails, so I only have to remove the seats if the carpet gets wet or needs to come out for cleaning.

 

[charleyf]

I lined the interior with Dynamat. And am very happy that I did. It has helped with both heat and sound. In addition I used a carpet underpayment. The one place I did not cover was inside the doors. I did do the firewall, floors and tunnel.
Charley

 

[Lbp]

When I replaced my carpets, I first lined the floor and tranny tunnel with water heater blanket, foil side down. No problem laying the carpet over it. Also, I used velcro to make removing the carpet easy, just in case I get stuck in the rain.

Bill

 

[Geo Hahn]

... I cut the insulation and carpet to fit over the seat rails, so I only have to remove the seats if the carpet gets wet or needs to come out for cleaning.

Me too -- no way it will dry from a thorough soaking unless you get it out of there.

 

[Skidude]

So - I've made up my mind to install Dynamat - what about the jute (horsehair) underlayment. Is this necessary, recommended - or, just overkill?

 

[charleyf]

I used it along with the Dynamat. More heat and sound reduction.

Charley

 

[Lbp]

In my opinion, the jute would indeed be overkill. And I also think the Dynamat is overkill. Way too heavy and expensive. Plus the main purpose of Dynamat, to keep out sound, is totally wasted on a TR3. I used Dynamat in the doors of my Porsche 968 to quiet down the interior a little and improve the sound of the stereo. It worked well for that purpose. When I did the interior of my TR3A, my goal was to reduce the heat coming from the engine, especially through the tranny tunnel. I wasn't trying to cut down sound in my "4-wheel motorcycle". I replaced all of the jute liner that came with my carpet kit with the water heater blanket. MUCH lighter and cheaper than Dynamat. It does a great job - the tunnel no longer feels hot against my right leg.

Bill