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2002 1500 Z66 - Carpet replacement - please share your knowledge/experience!

J

JBB3

Full Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2002
Messages
109
Hey Folks,
I had a cracked back window that leaked and soaked my carpet. I've replace the back window and had a few test storms that certified it sealed. Now I want to replace the carpet.

I already ordered and received a cutpile carpet but not happy with the quality of the carpet I received. For one thing, I have discovered the original carpet in the truck must have what they refer to as "mass backing". It's a rubberized backing on the carpet which makes it feel thicker and more substantial. The one I ordered did not have the mass backing.

Also, I'm wondering if the original carpet is cutpile or if it's 80/20 loop carpet?

Does anyone know?

Please share your knowledge and experience on carpet replacement so I can spiff up the old girls interior for another 120k miles!
 
When I replaced mine I used one from a ext, it's a little more luxurious.
 
The carpet is a cut pile carpet, and the "mass backing" aka jute padding is replaceable and just glued to the backing. I haven't tried to buy any lately, but you used to get it at the upholstery shop.
 
The better carpets have additional rubberized material molded into the back side in a hot press, in addition to the glued-on jute padding. Avalanche is definitely not an easy install. Lots of ducts, console, wiring, brackets. You might want to cut the 1 piece carpet into two underneath the front seats so you can position better. Also you will likely have to cut a lot of holes in it for seat mounting and ducts. So use the old carpet to mark the new one.
 
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Unfortunately all of my experience has been in the dealerships with oem replacements that are cut and fit to the specific vehicle. As far as the actual r&r, remove the front and rear seats and the plastic trim and you can fold it in half in the truck and pull it through the back door. Always was a fairly easy replacement, just takes a little time and strength, because the seats can be a bit heavy
 
Don't forget the console if you have one. That SOB is a pain in the butt to get out.
 
2004Slickside said:
The better carpets have additional rubberized material molded into the back side in a hot press, in addition to the glued-on jute padding. Avalanche is definitely not an easy install. Lots of ducts, console, wiring, brackets. You might want to cut the 1 piece carpet into two underneath the front seats so you can position better. Also you will likely have to cut a lot of holes in it for seat mounting and ducts. So use the old carpet to mark the new one.
Click to expand...
Hey Slick,
Yeah maybe it's not having that rubberized backing that my OEM carpet has that makes that one I ordered feel/look cheap. I think I'm going to return it and get the mass backing.
I'm not really looking forward to the reinstall part but...

EXT4ME said:
When I built both of my Mid-Deck Mods, I bought bulk OEM color carpeting from Stock Interiors.

Here is a link to your 2002 Avalanche replacement carpet.

The bulk carpet I bought was top quality and it shipped quickly.

Read their description to see if it fits your needs.
Click to expand...

EXT,
Now you have me curious what a mid-deck mod is. Guess I'll have to hit the search bar.
Thanks for the link, will check it out.

T’s BigDawg said:
Unfortunately all of my experience has been in the dealerships with oem replacements that are cut and fit to the specific vehicle. As far as the actual r&r, remove the front and rear seats and the plastic trim and you can fold it in half in the truck and pull it through the back door. Always was a fairly easy replacement, just takes a little time and strength, because the seats can be a bit heavy
Click to expand...

BigDawg,
I've got 3 or the 4 seats already out. Left the driver seat and the center console in waiting for the carpet to arrive. Kinda cool having all the space inside... ;)

MS03 2500 said:
Don't forget the console if you have one. That SOB is a pain in the butt to get out.
Click to expand...

That's what I was afraid of. Need to find a good YouTube on removing it. They like to hide screws and clips so you can't see/get to them...

2004Slickside said:
View attachment 233468
Before cutting the holes for the seat mounting, after cutting in two to facilitate install.
Click to expand...

Hmmmm.... That's looks like it could make things easier cutting around those ducts.
 
If I had it to do over, I would cut it about 4 inches further forward so it fits underneath the ends of the ducts.

With the mass backing you will need a really good pair of large sharp scissors or box cutter or something to trim it. Also note that I left most of the factory padding underneath the carpet. Be careful not to trim too much from the sides as the carpet pulls to the center as it lays down.
 
2004Slickside said:
If I had it to do over, I would cut it about 4 inches further forward so it fits underneath the ends of the ducts.

With the mass backing you will need a really good pair of large sharp scissors or box cutter or something to trim it. Also note that I left most of the factory padding underneath the carpet. Be careful not to trim too much from the sides as the carpet pulls to the center as it lays down.
Click to expand...
Now that you have said (typed) it, I can see how the would be helpful in cutting and fitting around the ducts!

Thanks for the tips there Slick! :)
 
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