H&H Shop Talk
You've got the ride. We've got the parts.
July 2007 - Vol 1, Issue 7
In This Issue
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Hello Fellow Gearhead!
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Welcome, to the new H&H monthly electronic newsletter. It will always have a tech article, list of new parts that are available this month, a show and event listing on where our mobile warehouse will be, as well as a car or truck of the month. If you do not wish to receive this newsletter at anytime please feel free to contact us and we will remove you from the list. Also, if you have a topic that you would like us to discuss we will be happy to consider it for future issues.

Carpet
Well, here we are for this month's Shop Talk. As I alluded to last month, we're going to talk about carpet selection and installation. A seemingly simple topic, but it can get complicated very quickly. The biggest question is what type of carpet you want to use. If you're restoring your ride to the original condition then this question is already answered for you. In 1953 GM started using what is known as Daytona Loop. They kept it until 1956. Then, in 1957 they introduced what is known as 80/20 loop and kept a version of it until the mid 80's. The only change they every made to it was in 1959 they introduced what was known as Salt & Pepper or tuxedo carpet. Which has black specs all through the carpet. They kept this until the end of 1962 when they went back to solid colors.

Most carpet kits are either dielectrically molded or cut & sewn. Molded is just what it sounds like-it is already pre-molded using a heat and vacuum process. Cut & sewn is just what is sounds like as well-it is a carpet that is cut to fit and sewn into a particular shape or pattern. I prefer molded carpet. It is usually easier to install and will hold its shape as long as you own the car. Before you buy any carpet, make sure that it comes with some form of insulation and has a vinyl or leather binding sewn onto the edge.

Even though most carpet comes with insulation, I would recommend that you add some extra insulation under your carpet. We do offer an extra insulation that you can buy, which is item #2248 and sells for $25.00 a roll. You will also need some spray adhesive to hold it down which is #2265 and sells for $10.00 a can. The average car will take 2 =BD to 3 rolls and 2 cans of spray to install and the average truck will need 1 =BD rolls and a single can of spray. You can also use a product called Dynamatt. It does a great job at sound insulation, not as good on heat, but sound insulation is second to none.

Installing carpet is a simple process. Start by gathering all necessary supplies. The first thing is the carpet and insulation. I would also recommend replacing the door sill plates at this time. Nothing looks worse than brand new carpet and old sill plates.

Start by laying the carpet out in the sun or in a very warm room. This will allow the carpet fit better. Next, remove the front and rear seats. If your ride has a console, now is a good time to take a measurement so you won't have to guess where to put it back. Then remove the old sill plates, followed by the carpet. After you remove the carpet, use a shop vac to suck up any loose debris and foreign material. Now is also a good time to see how much loose change you have under the carpet. The first truck I ever restored was in 1990 and I found over twenty dollars in loose change under the carpet of my 1972 Chevy truck.

Next, wash the floor pan with a mild soap and water. This will leave the surface clean for any spray adhesive or self adhesive insulation to stick. Take the time to cut and fit your insulation to the floor pan. This will allow for a better fit and allow the carpet to lay down better. Next, lay down the new carpet. If you are still having a problem with the carpet fitting around tight corners or over the transmission hump, then use a steam iron to warm up those areas and that will help you fit the carpet.

Next, install the rear seat and then the front seat and console if you should have one. A tip for helping find the bolt holes for the seats and console: You can use a sharp ice pick or awl to locate the holes on the underneath side. Finish off by installing the new or restored sill plates.

Next month we're going to talk about radios, speakers, and other sound system parts.

Belair
July's Ride of the Month is a 1956 210 2-door sedan owned by Larry Lahie of Fort Smith, Arkansas. Larry has done a complete restoration adding power disc brakes on the front, with 2" drop spindles, 500 power steering set up, Vintage Air, custom interior, and a host of other add on's. It's finished off by a gorgeous one off paint job. This is why we have chosen it as our ride of the month.

If you would like your project to be selected as our Ride of the Month, please send a picture, description, and details of what you've done to it to info@hhclassic.com.

H&H Classic Parts will be attending the following events this month:
July 6-8: Des Moines, IA - GoodGuys Rod and Custom Show at Iowa State Fairgrounds (Tri5/Impala/Truck only)
July 13-15: Columbus, OH - GoodGuys Rod and Custom Show at Ohio Expo Center (Tri5/Impala/Truck only)

US Radiator
This month we are featuring Radiators as a sale item. We are offering a 15% discount on all radiators this month. You can receive this sale either at any show we do, telephone orders, walk-in, or on our website.
Trivia
Last month we talked about fuel systems and we had a trivia part for you to identify, but forgot to include it. This item relates to last month's topic. Anyway here it is for this month. There is a clue here somewhere if you will read closely. This trivia is a two part question.

What is this item and what was it used for?

The first five people to e-mail the correct answers to us will receive a free T-shirt. Send your e-mail guess to info@hhclassic.com

Next month we're going to talk about radios, speakers, and other sound system parts.

Thanks from your Fellow Gearhead Staff at H&H Classic Parts!

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phone: 479-787-5575