The Corvette did not become America’s favorite sports car by sporting the same old every day colors and designs. It is in a league of its own from every interior detail to all of the Corvette body curves and lines. One thing that most anyone would agree on when buying or looking at a Corvette is that by pure instinct we are all going to focus on several different aspects; including the Corvette’s carpet. Immediately following a few quick glances at the front and rear carpet, it is only natural to come up with our own personal thoughts towards the overall condition. The point is that the cleanliness of the Corvette’s carpet can have a huge impact on the overall rating of the car. Do not cheat yourself or your Corvette of the glamor well deserved by ignoring the problem right under your feet. An old, faded or dirty carpet will surely make the entire car look poor, while a new, clean carpet will make it stand out as exceptional.

As certain trends move in and out of style, Corvette Carpet color and material do as well. What was original in 1953 was not the same in 1963. The material used in 1963 may or may not have been used in 1973. What kind of carpet was used in 1993? As you can see there are many questions that have been raised over the years by Corvette enthusiasts just like you. Zip Corvette has put the time and effort into sorting out the different possibilities so you will be certain your Corvette’s carpet is 100% correct, fits perfect and looks great.

The original 1953 Corvette left the factory with what is known as Gros Point carpet. It was made of 100% nylon and had the appearance of fine embroidery. This carpet featured foam backing for added insulation and comfort, heel pads to help prevent quick wear and tear due to frequent use, binding to tie up any possible loose ends and of course, came in the only interior color available, which was red. The Gros Point carpet would remain the standard through 1955 and would become available in beige for all 1954 and 1955 Corvettes.

In 1956, Chevrolet decided it was time to change the Corvette’s carpet from Gros Point to Daytona carpet. The new “Daytona Weave” carpet gave the low loop style presentation with the bottom yarn consisting of 30% nylon, 40% cotton and 30% rayon while the face yarn consisted of 100% nylon. All Corvette Daytona Carpet sets featured foam backing, a haircell vinyl heel pad and matching binding. 1959 would be the last year for the Daytona carpet as it was replaced with a salt & pepper style carpet in many Corvettes. The salt & pepper carpet, A.K.A. Tuxedo carpet was a low loop design carpet consisting of one predominate color (matching the interior) and a less predominate black fiber. These carpet sets also featured foam backing, matching binding and heel pads. Original 1959-1962 black carpet actually appeared to be olive in color. If a true black carpet color is desired you can purchase that, but remember it is not the “original” style.

The mid-years marked a lot of changes from the earlier Corvettes including the carpet. Every 1963-1967 left the factory with what is known as the Corvette 80/20 Loop Carpet. This carpet was made of 80% rayon and 20% nylon. The only difference was in 1963 and 1964 the carpet came with foam backing and in 1965-1967 poly backing was used instead. This 80/20 carpet style continued into the C3 generation coming with all 1968-1976 Corvettes that included a standard interior (non-leather seat covers). The only difference in the 1968-1976 standard interior carpet and the midyear carpet was the shape. This was simply due to the body style changes.

For all 1970-1977 Corvettes ordered with a deluxe interior (leather seats), a softer and fuzzier Cut Pile carpet was installed. The Cut Pile carpet was actually a lighter carpet then the 80/20 but Chevrolet decided to use it regardless. This style of carpet would become the only style offered in all 1978-1993 Corvettes. From 1984-1993 Cut Pile carpet came with mass backing which was meant to insulate the interior from noise and heat. At Zip, we offer the Cut Pile carpet with a replacement poly backing which is a less expensive moisture resistant backing that is still able to withstand years of use.

From 1994-1996 the Corvette’s carpet changed from Cut Pile to TruVette carpet. This carpet came with perfect contours, molded heel pads and serged bindings. TruVette carpet is a very light and very plush carpet made of 100% solution dyed nylon.

As you can see there were several different types of carpets used over the years. When it comes to restoring your Corvette, be certain you are installing the correct carpet set to keep your Corvette all original. At Zip, we sell the best carpet available for your Corvette; excellent quality, excellent fit and perfect color. If you think it is finally time to replace that 30, 40 or even 50 year old Corvette Carpet Set, do so with the knowledge and confidence necessary to make your Corvette’s interior look exactly original.

For detailed step by step installation instructions with pictures, visit www.CorvetteMagazine.com to read technical articles such as:

• Interior Upgrade – Turn Your 1963-1967 Corvette’s From Old To New
• Wall To Wall Overhaul – New Carpet Installation For 1968 -1979 Corvettes
• Installing New Carpet In Our Millennium Makeover 1974 Stingray
• Interior Restoration – Make Your 1978-1982 Corvette Look Like New

Still not sure you can do it? That is ok; not only does Zip Corvette sell the best Corvette carpet, they can install it too! Leave your Corvette carpet installation to the professionals and call Zip for an appointment today.