In this article, we will show you how to install the carpet from a 2005 to 2014 Mustang. Whether you are replacing the carpet for a restoration, spills, or an accident, we will show you what you need to know. Follow the steps below, and we will show you how to complete this task!
Tools Needed
- Trim Removal Kit
- Phillips Head Screwdrivers
- Cleaning Supplies (Microfiber Towels, All-Purpose Cleaner, Vacuum)
- Pick Set
- Razor Knife
- Staple Gun
- Assorted Hole Saw Set and Drill
- 1/4" Drive Ratchet, Socket Set, and Extensions
- 3/8" Drive Ratchet, Socket Set, and Extensions
2005-2014 Installation Steps
- If you need a recap to know how to remove the carpet in your S197, check out our dedicated article on How To Remove S197 Carpet. This will go into detail for all the steps on seat removal, console removal, and carpet removal processes.
- Before the installation of the carpet, we would recommend that you leave the carpet unfolded for several hours or even a few days to help “relax” it. Even better, you could set it in the sun on a warm day if you have that option, given the time of year you plan on installing it.
- First, dislodge the two rearward push pins securing the carpet to the car's body.
- Remove any floor mat anchors from the carpet. There were a few different styles used from 2005 to 2014. To remove the style of floor mat anchor from this car, slide a pick or similar device through the opening to depress the tab and release the clip.
- Now, you can remove it from the carpet.
- If you want to repurpose the pinch weld retainer on the sides of the factory carpet, cut the head of the staple and then separate the retainers from the carpet. Do this for all of the retainers that are attached to the carpet.
- Use a heat gun and carefully remove the larger pieces of leftover tape from the door jamb area.
- Wipe away any remaining residue with a clearcoat-safe adhesive remover. Use an all-in-one polish to polish away any scuff marks in this area.
- Wipe the area with a prep spray to remove the polishing oils.
- The new carpet from ACC that we’re installing includes some optional jute padding. If you install these, dry-fit them first to determine where they go and the orientation.
- Once this is figured out, spray the right side with a light layer of spray adhesive. Install the jute padding into their corresponding places.
- Position the old carpet over the new one and line up the carpets as close and accurately as possible.
- First, you’ll want to measure the distance of the old carpet where the center cut occurs. Go ahead and cut the new carpet down the center. Remember, always cut less than you need and enlarge as you go.
- Continue marking and trimming the new carpet's front, rear, and center areas. I recommend leaving the side areas that install underneath the scuff plate alone until the new carpet is in the car.
- Mark and trim the rear section of the carpet. Once this is finished, fold the new carpet so that it can be installed into the car.
- Begin maneuvering the carpet into place. With the carpet in the car, start by enlarging the area around the parking brake assembly as needed.
- Run your hands across the carpet to ensure it is even with the contours of the floor. Now you can mark the holes for the seat hardware. We started with the two rear holes first.
- Whenever the hole was identified, I poked a hole in the carpet with an appropriate tool and marked the area with a silver marker.
- I then lifted the carpet up, and cut the holes by running the correct size hole saw in reverse. When doing this, pay attention not to cut your hand that’s underneath the carpet. If you don’t have a hole saw, a good old-fashioned sharp razor blade will do the trick.
- For the inboard front seat bolt hole, you’ll need to identify the position and cut the carpet with a razor blade to mimic the factory opening.
- The two console studs can be easily marked by pushing down on the carpet to push them through. Lift up the carpet and cut the holes with the correct size hole saw.
- Repeat these steps for the rearward hole for the pushpin and the seat belt anchor.
- Reference the cutout in the old carpet for the electrical harness. Take some measurements and then transfer these to the new carpet. Cut the area with a razor blade and feed the harness through the opening.
- Then you can repeat these steps for the other side, including the holes for the parking brake assembly retaining bolts.
- Moving to the side area of the carpet, work the carpet with your hands so that it follows the contours of the floorboard. Mark the areas that need to be trimmed, then trim the carpet with a razor blade.
- This includes the areas for the scuff plate clips. We are repurposing the factory pinch weld retainers. If you do the same, you’ll need an automotive-grade upholstery staple gun.
- Layout the retainers along the pinch weld and then mark them with a marker. Lift up the carpet and position a block of wood underneath the retainer.
- Install two staples just like the factory. Remove the block of wood and fold the ends of the staple with a flathead screwdriver. Repeat these steps for all of the pinch weld retainers.
- Mock up the kick panel and trim any other carpet so that the panel installs how it should and any retainers that secure the panel to the car have a clear path and are not obstructed by the carpet.
- Take some measurements of the floor mat retainers from the original carpet and transfer the measurements to the new carpet. Cut or poke these areas as needed and reinstall the retainers.
- Now, you’ll want to vacuum the carpet to remove all the lint and manufacturing debris.
- Now it’s time for reassembly. Reposition the rear interior quarter panels.
- Be sure and reroute and reconnect the electrical connector related to the seat belt. Then you can fully engage the clips and reinstall the push pins.
- Reinstall the seat belt anchor bolts and torque this hardware to 30 lb-ft.
- Reinstall the kick panels and any associated fasteners.
- Carefully heat the old double-sided tape on the back of the scuff plate and remove it. Wipe away any residue with a microfiber towel and adhesive remover.
- Wipe the area again with a prep spray.
- Install some new automotive-grade double-sided tape onto the scuff plate just like the factory tape was. Dog ear the tape and then reinstall the scuff plates on the right side.
- Remove the backing and apply firm pressure to the scuff plate to fully adhere the tape.
- Poke holes in the rear of the carpet for the two push pins and reinstall them.
- If needed, apply velcro to any areas of the carpet that may need it. We installed some velcro in the center area near the parking brake assembly and the two small sections in the rear.
- You can reinstall the rear seat backs now. The bolts have a torque spec of 17 lb-ft.
- Reinstall the lower seat cushion.
- Now, you can reinstall the front seats and the center console. The four bolts that retain the front seat have a torque value of 35 lb-ft.
- Check over your work, and you’re good to go!
Conclusion
Alright, folks! I hope this article helped you understand the carpet installation process for all 2005-2014 S197 Mustangs.! If you need more details on this process, watch the video at the top of the page. For all things, 2005 to 2014 Mustang, keep it right here with the real enthusiasts, LMR.com!
