Wheel Arch Moquette Covers

[Series1 Stu]

Hi

I am about to install the Moquette covers on the rear arches on my 3.8 FHC. I have scanned here and all the restoration and originality guides I can find but I can't fully see how far back towards the rear panel they go. Do they reach as far back as the vinyl trim? Or do they stop somewhere along the way? Any photos would be appreciated, especially of original unrestored cars.

Regards

[Simonpfhc]

Hi Stuart,

It should go right back to the vinyl on the rear panel. I have attached a photo when I was trimming mine.

[Series1 Stu]

That's brilliant Simon, thank you.

I'll probably make a start tomorrow. There is a sparse amount of information out there on trimming although the CMC/David Barzilay book says it can be rather difficult.

Deep breaths.....

[Simonpfhc]

The key for that part is to start at that rear most corner, glue the fabric in place and then really stretch it forward. This then allows the fabric to easily stretch upwards and downwards avoiding creases.

[Series1 Stu]

Ok, some progress with this. I now have both sides looking very much like your photo. I'm going to continue tomorrow with a little adult supervision in the form of my wife. She has a much better feel for this sort of work than I do.

Regards

[Series1 Stu]

Job done! It wasn't fun and it's not perfect but we got there. Pictures to follow.

Next step is to cover the cubby box panel. Any tips gratefully received.

Thanks for all the help.

Regards

[TGN]

The cubby box is straight forward compared to the arches. You need the very thin felt NOT foam, just the front and top edges glued and cut flush, followed by the vinyl finish glued past the felt and on the returns. A can of high temperature spray glue is your friend for the flat surfaces felt then vinyl and contact adhesive on the returns. . Fix the centre and work out to each edge. The rear of it doesn’t need covering, a can of satin black will sufice on any edge not covered in material . But make sure it all fits and lines up with all fixing holes (fifteen from memory) before you cover it. If it’s an original panel you should be ok. I had to modify my aftermarket panel substantially
And the forward luggage panel fit should hinge nicely and secure the locating pins in the sprung metal clips when laid flat. Fit the clips with two rivets each side after applying the covering.
If you need to re-drill any fixing points in the body tub make sure you paint and protect newly drilled holes and seal unused ones, particularly the four that go into the rear arches

[Series1 Stu]

Wow, thanks for the comprehensive advice, Trevor. Much appreciated.

My panel is aftermarket and I have had to re-bend the end folds to make it fit properly between the wheel arches and tweak the top bend so it allows the hinged panel to sit flat and square. As usual, we get to spend a small fortune on an ill-fitting part that you then spend hours modifying to be fit for purpose.

You mentioned using felt, not foam. I have used scrim foam on various parts, in line with advice received and as supplied in my BAS trim kit. Is there a benefit in using felt? Sorry, this is the first time I have heard this advice so I'm intrigued to know the reasons behind it.

Regards

[TGN]

I had to go and check my car. The dense scrim foam is used under the sill covering and you can feel it and briefly leave a dent.
The felt takes away the harshness of vinyl directly glued to metal. And the same felt used on both sides of the folding boot floor panel that becomes the lid. You only need it on the top and vertical front face. Not on any of the flanges the fixing rivets go through. The vinyl will stick directly onto those and a small return to the back of the panel. The rear of the panel isn’t covered. A foam covered panel looks wrong and has softened edges and no definition when complete.

The little metal spring clips that secure the pins on the lid are fitted before covering and only the hole is visible not the rivets. I wasn’t able to source the correct clips when I did mine only the bigger one for the rear boot floor, like all things they needed extensive modification.
My rear panel was a MR item and didn’t fit I had to split it and let in a big V shaped piece of metal, couldn’t confirm at the time how accurately some of my car may or may not have been renewed. I guess my car may have been more correct than the panel.