Cutting vehicle carpet ceanly?

ThomD

Explorer
I'm finally getting around to running the wires for my portable power pack. These are heavy gauge wires from the battery (fused of course) to the interior of the vehicle (LX470). Crawling around under the truck I found a hole in the body, with a rubber filler. On one side of the truck this is used for some electrical harness. The other side is unused, so it will be my entry point into the cabin. It is pretty convenient, right next to the frame, so securing the wires underneath will be easy.

In the cabin, this hole comes up around the second row foot well. I almost never have passengers (and rarely even install the 2nd row seats), so this is work able, if not ideal. I'm not loving having the cables come out right at somebody's feet, so I'm thinking about running them under the carpet for about 8-10 inches so they can come out in a more protected spot under the seat. I'll put the wires in some wiring loom as a chafe guard. Even so, I'm still 20% concerned about whether or not this is a good idea. It's a no traffic area, but still...

Anyway, where ever the wires come out, I'll have to cut the carpet. Does anyone have advice on how to make a tidy installation of the hole in the carpet? figure 1 inch in diameter.
 

WoldD90

Adventurer
The unused hole is more than likely the difference between a RHD and a LHD versions. You should be able to remove the trim pieces in order to better hide the wiring without having to cut the carpet. Make sure that you protect the wiring extra well, so it doesn't get cut.
 

southpier

Expedition Leader
before you cut the carpet, smear the back with some type of "Goop" or silicone about 1/8" thick (let it cure first) in an area greater than you are going to cut away. this will help with the carpet not unravelling.


if you can get the wires through a "C" shaped slice, then if you or the next owner removes them the carpet can be mended from underneath with - ready? - Duct Tape.
 

ThomD

Explorer
Thanks guys. I ended up running the cables behind some body panels into a storage bin built into the vehicle. I don't know what it was meant for, but the cables fit very nicely. I'd post pictures, but when it is stored, there is nothing to see. Perfect.
 

JeepN95YJ

Adventurer
I know you have it taken care of but this might help others.

Automotive carpet is easily cut with a box-cutter/razor knife from the back side. Using a sharp knife of this type insures that you do not damage the pyle on the top side.

Small holes up to about 3/4" should be done in a simple X pattern. Bolts or wires will easily push through. If you need a larger hole use the knife to cut a circle from the bottom.

Never use a drill in carpet as you WILL end up with unraveled fibers. :snorkel:
 

Ozarker

Well-known member
JeepN, you must be a carpet layer! Use a sharp utility knife, X2 the X. Get some double face tape at wallyworld, cut an X in a piece and peel off the back. Place the tape through the X in the carpet and with a screw drive, push the tap down on the floor or above any pad (you can cut or poke a hole in the pad). Then pull the backing off the top side of the tape and pull out the X cuts in the carpet. Push what ever you are going to put through the floor and carpet. Then press the carpet down on the tape closing the X cuts as needed. The carpet will lay and not unravel. To close the cutsm take out whatever is through the carpet and press the cuts down on the tape. Take care not to cut lose any loop or pile in the carpet, try to cut between the fibers and it won't ever show.

However, I would never lay wires under carpet, especially in a traffic area. Even 12V can burn if wiring is faulty, the wire could also be in a wet or damp environment too.
IMO, the best way to get wiring inside a vehicle is to fish it through an existing wiring gramet. If you have to run it past a door, run it under the threshold of the door and secure it. Wires put in by owners should not be seen but be assessable. :coffeedrink:
 

ThomD

Explorer
....snip....

However, I would never lay wires under carpet, especially in a traffic area. Even 12V can burn if wiring is faulty, the wire could also be in a wet or damp environment too.
IMO, the best way to get wiring inside a vehicle is to fish it through an existing wiring gramet. If you have to run it past a door, run it under the threshold of the door and secure it. Wires put in by owners should not be seen but be assessable. :coffeedrink:

That was my concern. I was able to come through an existing (unused) wiring grommet, in a no-traffic spot. Wtihin 3 inches, I'm running next to an existing wiring loom in a gap against the door sill.
 

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