Why Carpet Replacement Matters on a C5
- Heat & Noise: The LS‑series engine radiates warmth through the firewall and floorpan, while the rear cargo area sits directly above a booming dual‑exhaust tunnel.
- Preservation & Value: NCRS judges deduct for mismatched color, incorrect heel‑pad size or missing Mass‑Backing, so authentic materials matter for Top Flight scores.
- Comfort & Style: Fresh carpet eliminates musty odors and restores that plush showroom feel.
Material Choices & Factory Options
TruVette (Corvette‑Exclusive)
TruVette is a light, very dense 100 % solution‑dyed nylon developed specifically for late‑model Corvettes. Its low pile and tight weave mirror OEM texture while resisting fading and fuzzing.
Cutpile
The modern industry standard—a balanced pile height for daily driving with the widest factory‑matched color palette.
Luxury Essex Upgrade
Essex is a longer, plusher face weight for owners who want Cadillac‑level softness without deviating from OEM contours.
Mass Backing
Chevrolet installed heavy rubberized Mass Backing from the factory to tame driveline resonance. Ordering your kit with Mass Backing restores that barrier while adding up to 50 % more insulation.
Coupe vs Convertible vs FRC/Z06 Fitment
The C5 shares a common front floorpan, but rear sections differ:
- Hatchback Coupe (targa top): Long cargo deck extends to the taillights, plus removable waterfall panel.
- Convertible: Short trunk shelf with cavities for the folding top; unique rear side panels.
- Fixed‑Roof Coupe (1999-2000 hardtop - FRC) & 2001‑04 Z06: Rear tub is closer to the convertible than the hatch, so ACC molds a separate kit.
| Section | Coupe (1997‑2004) | FRC Hardtop (1999‑2000) | Convertible (1998‑2004) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front | Cutpile » molded front set TruVette » molded front set |
Same front floor‑pan as coupe/convertible—order the links at left (Cutpile or TruVette). | (uses the same front set as coupe—links at left) |
| Rear | Cutpile » rear area kit TruVette » rear area kit |
Cutpile » FRC Rear Area Kit - Cutpile TruVette » FRC Rear Area Kit - Truvette |
Cutpile » rear area kit TruVette » rear area kit |
| Complete (front + rear) |
Cutpile » full molded kit TruVette » full molded kit |
Cutpile » Cutpile Complete TruVette » Truvette Complete |
Cutpile » full molded kit TruVette » full molded kit |
Installation Tips & FAQs
- Clean and de‑grease the fiberglass floor; coat rusty steel seat‑mounts with POR‑15 before laying insulation.
- Many forum members line the cockpit with Reflectix or Dynamat under the Mass‑Back carpet for extra heat blocking; use GM/3M spray adhesive only on the insulation, not on the carpet shell.
- Pre‑fit each molded piece in warm sunlight so the nylon relaxes; small wrinkles disappear after 24 h of interior heat cycling.
NCRS Judging Snapshot
The 1997‑2004 NCRS Technical Information & Judging Guide notes that C5s were shipped with color‑keyed TruVette and factory Mass Back. Deviations—black carpet in an Oak interior, missing heel pads, aftermarket loop materials—can cost restoration points, so stick with ACC’s OEM specs.
Cars‑&‑Coffee Corner
Next Saturday, when you roll up in white 608's bragging your Torch Red coupe is “1 of 4,712 built with sport buckets and body‑side moldings,” remember: drop‑in a custom‑color Essex kit and you’ll be 1 of 1. Boom—more exclusive than a '98 Aztec Gold Metallic
Ready to Order?
Use our vehicle selector or call 1‑888‑269‑6287—we’re happy to help match colors, backing and material so your C5 feels factory‑fresh again.
