After removing the seats last month for a frame-up rebuild, it became obvious that our C5's carpet was also in need of restorative attention. Since we already had the interior apart to a point where the job would be much easier, we dialed up the knowledgeable folks at Corvette America and quickly had a complete replacement-carpet set on its way for installation.
The Corvette America set (PN 460490, $1,099) is the mass-backed-style "Tru-Vette" carpet used by the factory, so you can be assured that it is pre-cut to each model's floorpan shape, with added material at the edges to allow a perfect installation. A good pair of scissors and a sharp utility knife are all that is required.
Having already removed the...
Having already removed the seats for our last story, John Wilson pulls the original carpet and sets it aside.
It's important to note that the carpet set does not include the center, left, and right taillight-finish pieces; the originals must be reused. Fortunately for us, ours were in excellent shape (this is usually the case), and a good cleaning was all that was required.
While this job is not beyond the abilities of a skilled DIY-er, we decided to have the work performed by John Wilson, one of the experi-enced pros at Clearwater, Florida's Whisper Motorsports/Auto XTC. (Labor was a quite reasonable $450.) Follow along as he tackles the job of getting our Shoestring C5's carpeting back in factory-fresh shape.
 With the carpet out of the...  With the carpet out of the cockpit, we can get a good look at what's underneath. This area is actually very clean, which leads us to still believe the car has been well cared for. |  Next, Wilson vacuums every...  Next, Wilson vacuums every crevice to remove any residual crud and help ensure a perfect fit. |  With everything out and the...  With everything out and the floorpan clean, we are ready to begin the carpet replacement. You'll note that it was not necessary to remove the center console or parking-brake assembly. |
 Wilson trims the original...  Wilson trims the original carpet to make a rough template for the replacement set. All carpet manufacturers build in some excess material at the edges to make this possible. |  Next, he test-fits the passenger-side...  Next, he test-fits the passenger-side carpet before making his next round of trimmings. |  Wilson works the carpet into...  Wilson works the carpet into place until he achieves a factory-tight fit. If you're doing this job yourself, take your time, smooth each area frequently, and work the carpet into proper shape before securing it under the trim and sill plates. |
 Wilson leaves his final cuts...  Wilson leaves his final cuts until the very last stage of the install. Doing so ensures there is enough material to seat the carpet firmly within the interior trim. |  With the front cabin done,...  With the front cabin done, Wilson moves on to the rear storage compartment. Having already pulled the compartment covers, he loosens and removes the roof-panel storage brackets. |  With most of the hardware...  With most of the hardware out of the way, only the speaker assemblies hold the original carpet in place. |