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Dynamat & Carpet Kit Install - Inner WorkingsDynamat and Carpet Kit Install From the September, 2011 issue of Chevy High Performance By Sean Haggai Photography by Sean Haggai
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Unlike most of the fully optioned second-generation Novas that came equipped with complete carpeting, our Project Nova didn’t. For years, we’ve been hauling it around to events, shows, and open track days with almost no sound or heat insulation, let alone carpet. All we had been left with was the factory rubber matting, usually found in the less-expensive six-cylinder bodies. Most of our upgrades were left for an all-business approach. For the time being, our factory interior—or lack thereof—would suffice. Initially, we were more into getting the Nova up and running to compete. However, we’ve reconsidered, and were after a more comfortable ride for long cruises to and from the tracks. With the summer months approaching and Southern California weather clipping into the triple digits, it was time for some interior refinement. To eliminate much of the engine and road noise we were experiencing, we needed a proper base. Well aware of Dynamat’s products, we searched its detailed website and found a Custom Cut floor kit for our ’72 Nova. These kits greatly reduce buzzes, rattles, and vibrations with precut sheets right from the box! All you need to do is peel and stick each Dynamat sheet to the interior body panels—no cutting or guesswork, and just the right amount of Dynamat for the job. To complete the makeover, we also went with a two-piece, molded carpet kit from Classic Industries and new Fisher doorsill plates. Though install time will vary, we had the new Dynamat floor kit and molded carpet installed in just over a full day. And when the job was done, it felt like we were entering a high-end coach build and even enjoyed some better sound from our mild stereo. Believe us, the interior will be quieter and cooler, and your passengers will thank you for all the hard work—it’s worth the effort! What’s it like? While cruising the streets and hauling on the freeway, we’ve eliminated most of the exhaust drone from the cabin. That means an even quieter ride than what we’re experiencing now. Not only are conversations at a manageable level, but the heat that normally radiates from the pavement has also been reduced. It stays cooler and quieter, and it’s like sitting in the living room at home—it’s that good. CHP
| The Grab Bag |
| Mfg. |
Description |
PN |
Cost |
| Classic Industries |
’68-73 Nova OER loop carpet |
53149601 |
$175 |
| Dynamat |
’68-72 Nova floor kit |
XGM N2 F |
$400 |
 At first glance, it might...  At first glance, it might seem to leave the cabin well alone. However, the floor of the Nova had evidence of water damage and its interior was uninviting and cave-like. Not only was the drone of the exhaust an issue, but the heat, which radiated from the ground, made the interior hot and uncomfortable during the summer months.  Removing the entire interior...  Removing the entire interior was a job in itself. First, we eliminated the driver and passenger seats, and then the brackets from the floor.  Removing the seatbelt bases...  Removing the seatbelt bases from the floor at this time would also speed up the Dynamat and carpet install process later on, since we’d avoid having to cut the Dynamat and carpet to fit around the base for the belts. To remove the bolts, we used a Torx head socket.  We were careful not to break...  We were careful not to break the original seatbelt plug. Once in gear, this plug sends a signal to the dash, which warns the driver when the seatbelt is not buckled.  With the old rubber matting...  With the old rubber matting removed, we went ahead and completely vacuumed up the remaining material. This consisted mostly of 39-year-old adhesive, bits of dingy matting, and some larger pieces of surface rust. Note: Dynamat will only adhere to a clean, dust-free surface.  The beauty of the Dynamat...  The beauty of the Dynamat Custom Cut kit for our project Nova is that most of the hard work is already done. Traditional sound insulation came in large sheets, making fitment somewhat difficult and time-consuming. What’s more, Dynamat even provides detailed instructions illustrating where to place each piece.  Some planning on exact locations...  Some planning on exact locations of each piece will help the process along. For instance, to keep things even on both sides, we used a marker to indicate exactly where to place each piece. We also laid each Custom Cut piece into the interior to relax, making the final molding process painless.  Each Custom Cut Dynamat section...  Each Custom Cut Dynamat section contains an adhesive-backed piece. All we had to do was double-check the specified area, peel, and stick.  Using our predetermined locations,...  Using our predetermined locations, we applied each section to its intended area on the Nova floorboards. We began under the rear seats and worked our way forward toward the firewall.  Here’s an example of the Custom...  Here’s an example of the Custom Cut kit placed under the rear seat bench. Each section is already notched and specifically cut to clear seat brackets and molds around curves in the floorboard.  Since we used an aftermarket...  Since we used an aftermarket floor shifter, some of the Dynamat section along the transmission tunnel had to be slightly modified. We carefully cut out small sections for a precise fit around the shifter base.  Dynamat has taken out all...  Dynamat has taken out all the guesswork and even provided holes in specific sections to locate the seatbelt bracket threads.  In almost no time, we had...  In almost no time, we had the entire floor of the Nova covered with Dynamat’s Custom Cut kit. Each section went in with an accurate fit, and we paid close attention to fill all the hills and valleys of the factory floor. Note the predetermined cuts for driver and passenger seat bracket clearance.  For our carpet install, we...  For our carpet install, we removed the floor shifter altogether. First, we popped off the plastic cover and disconnected the linkage, neutral safety switch, and backup lights. Then, we used a 7/16-inch wrench to take out the bolts from the base so we could remove it.  In order to feel right at...  In order to feel right at home, we went with Classic Industries’ new rayon and nylon blend carpet. It features a revolutionary new carpet yarn that utilizes modern textile chemistry to duplicate the factory look. This reproduction carpet looks better and lasts longer than the original material. This carpet eliminates the problems of poor abrasion resistance and does not shed fibers. Each kit includes a molded carpet set, correct reproduction heel pad, a dimmer switch hole grommet, jute padding underside, and a sound-deadening underlay kit to provide the ultimate barrier to heat, cold, and noise.  Since the carpet kit is already...  Since the carpet kit is already molded from Classic Industries, it’s only a matter of laying in the two (front and rear) sections. First, we laid in the front section to determine how much to cut for the shifter. Once in, we centered the carpet by applying pressure to the sides of the transmission tunnel and made a center cut in an “I” pattern. This would allow us to peel back each side, reinstall the shifter, and fold the carpet back over. Note: The front carpet section will overlap the rear piece.  Using a razor, we found each...  Using a razor, we found each seat bracket hole and made the necessary “X” cut. This would allow ample room for each bracket bolt to thread down into the floor.  Getting the carpet to fit...  Getting the carpet to fit around the B-pillar and side sills is a tough task, but we took our time and made smaller cuts along each edge for an accurate fit. Then, we reinstalled each rear side trim and bolted down a new set of Fisher side sills (hardware included). Once the new carpet was in,... Once the new carpet was in, we could reinstall our rear bench, front race seats, and seatbelts. For the time being, this completed our interior upgrade. We have yet to install the new door, roof, firewall, and trunk Dynamat Custom Cut sections, but we’ll follow along with those upgrades in a future issue with all the details.
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