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Musty carpet smell

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Old 04-15-2013, 10:03 AM
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Jetdriver69
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Default Musty carpet smell

I just purchased a 82 5 speed that is just about perfect except for for some funky carpet smell. The car is a second owner, but the 1st owner drove it for 10 years and parked it for many years before the 2nd owner bought it and completely went through the car including AC and new paint. Before anyone gives advise about a flooded car, it was thoroughly checked, all electric/electronic work including the clock and other than the carpet, it has no odor. The existing floor mats are about rotten as is the deck lid carpet. Any advise about trying to clean the carpet without totally replacing it would be greatly appreciated. Could I try a household carpet solution through a steam cleaner? If that doesn't work, what is a good source for the a replacement floor and deck lid carpet?
Old 04-15-2013, 10:16 AM
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mickster
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Steam clean it--either rental from supermarket/home depot or buy a Bissel. Take out all carpets that can come out and wash down surfaces with orange cleaner of some sort. Vacuum the interior first and get into crevices. Anything you can remove will help. Part of the smell is the aged leather too. A nice refresh will help.

Zeolite/Volcanic Rock (Gonzo is one brand at Home Depot--I found a no name there for a few bucks) left in the car for a bit will suck out most of the mustiness. My car smells way better.
Old 04-15-2013, 10:43 AM
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rgs944
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Another thing you can do when you have the carpet out is refresh the backing. I use truck bed liner put on with a roller. It will give you a very strong new car smell for a month but then go away. If the smell is only aged leather that is a good thing in my opinion.

Last edited by rgs944; 04-15-2013 at 11:09 AM.
Old 04-15-2013, 11:11 AM
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Rob Budd has very good carpet sets, worth it.
The mercedes velour kit is a little heavier than the original sliverknit, so it's is one I like.

Its possible to remove some of the carpet to wash it in washer. Done most of it this way with decent results.

The back hatch mat though has a heavy backing that would breakup though.

Bigger issue is identifying and fixing source of water intrusion. An insuring certain moisture-capture areas aren't still wet ( example is the foam underlayment of the heavy tar mat that is beneath and behind the fusebox. If that gets wet, it can trap moisture.
Old 04-15-2013, 03:36 PM
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kawi825
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I would also check the little flapper door on the passenger side of the firewall. They get filled up with leaves, etc and let water get in making the passenger floor wet.mine had this issue. Got a cup or so of "helicopters"out of it.
Old 04-15-2013, 11:20 PM
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Jetdriver69
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The carpets are too far gone, no amount of cleaning will get rid of the smell. Oh well, new carpets on the way. I am redyeing the leather seats and trim pieces anyway. then while the back pieces are out to remove the back seats, time to change the old speakers. I've only had the car for three days and most of the interior is out. Thank goodness the dash and pod is not cracked!
Old 04-15-2013, 11:34 PM
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MainePorsche
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I've removed all my carpets, washed them in the machine on gentle cycle and they came out great. Did it on a sunny day and let them dry flat on the patio tables - turned them over one time. Right before the final spin (after the rinse) starts try to place flat against inside of drum and let it go at high speed.
Old 04-16-2013, 12:35 AM
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chitown928s4
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I too gutted the interior. Washed on cold cycle let dry and are good as new. Most of the carpeted pieces can be removed and reglued with 3m super 77 spray glue. Results are very rewarding. Since you have interior removed you should just throw them in the wash and keep as spares or sell them if they come out in good shape.
Old 04-16-2013, 12:49 AM
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Jetdriver69
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Unfortunately, the backing is coming off in chunks and the smell won't come out. 399 for new carpets plus 69 for the deck lid.
Old 04-16-2013, 08:58 AM
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use weldwood contact cement to install the new carpets get the stuff in the red/yellow can its brush on found at HD
Old 04-16-2013, 01:08 PM
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Jetdriver69
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I am ordering new carpet today through Rob Budd. I stand mistaken, it was $399 for all the carpet to include the deck lid. Not a bad price, thanks for telling me about his product.
Old 04-18-2013, 11:01 PM
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ACII
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Rob Budd? Is there a website or number? I too need carpert for my car. I bought it a year ago without carpet. Previous owner had removed it.
Old 04-19-2013, 12:16 AM
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Originally Posted by ACII
Rob Budd? Is there a website or number? I too need carpert for my car. I bought it a year ago without carpet. Previous owner had removed it.
http://www.classic9leathershop.com/



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