How to Install New Truck Carpet, Part 2 of 3

In Part 1 of this guide on installing truck carpet, you selected a new carpet and prepared it for installation. In Part 2, follow the simple steps below to position the new carpet, clean and prepare the floor and make holes for the new carpet.

Step 3 - Remove the Seats and Molding

In most cases, it’ll be necessary to remove the seats. There are different ways to do so depending on the truck’s design. You can remove the front sides from the inside or you can remove the seats from underneath the truck. Be sure to disconnect the battery cables and unplug any electrical components before attempting this.

With the aid of a ratchet and socket drivers, remove the seats and their tracks. There should be four bolts attached to each seat. If the bolts are underneath the vehicle, remove the rubber plug first. The bolts will probably be badly rusted. If so, just lubricate them. Keep all of the automotive fasteners in a safe place. You’ll need them all later in to reassemble the truck.

Now, enter the truck and unplug the wiring harnesses underneath the seats. Once the seats are free and ready to be removed, remove each seat by placing your hands on the seat back and seat bottom then lifting. If the seatbelt bolts are mounted to the carpet area, you’ll have to remove them as well. You would usually use a star screwdriver to do so, so place a star bit on your socket driver. Repeat the process for each seat.

If your cab is extended, you’ll need to remove the rear seat. Pull off the seat cushion with a sharp tug. Now, remove the bolts and screws from the seatbelt anchors and take them off. Unscrew the sill plates all along the door and pull off the interior panels in order to free the carpet. If you’re having trouble loosening the panels, pry them out with an awl or with a flat putty knife. Again, make sure you don’t lose the fasteners. If applicable, remove the center console and the gas pedal. For the center console, you may find bolts around its base.

Step 4 - Remove the Old Carpet

Once you finish step 3, remove the old carpet. Keep it in a safe place because you’ll need it in a later step. Remove the old carpet padding. Remove the old insulation only if it’s ruined. Both old and new insulation will reduce wind noise and give the vehicle a “tighter feel.” If your truck has a catalytic converter shield on the floor, don’t remove it.

Clean up the truck floor. Sweep it in order to remove dirt, and then use a mild solvent to clean more intensely if necessary. Scrub any rusted spots.

Step 5 - Verify Your New Carpet

Before installing the new carpet, verify that it will fit properly by laying it over the old one and lining up the contours. Don't worry if the molded contours don't seem to match. Since the carpet was rolled up or packed tightly in a box, these contours may look flattened. If your old carpet is not available, just fit the carpet to the truck’s floor plan. If the contours don't match at all or if the carpet doesn’t cover well, don't continue with the installation. Instead, return to the store and exchange the carpet for an appropriate one. Make sure you don’t damage the new carpet; otherwise, you won't be able to return it.