1956 Fleetwood 60 Special carpet specs needed

[Lexi]

I own a 1956 Cadillac formal Limousine, (Imperial 7533X). The front carpet is original, and black in color, but is worn and in need of replacement. ACC who manufactures carpets for vintage cars does supply some sets for 1956 Caddies, but not the Limo. I suspect that this is because the rear carpet is radically different and also large in size, (2 rows of seats back there). I suspect there is also low demand for carpet for this Cadillac model. Not cost efficient to produce or offer.

Fortunately, my rear carpet is fine, so all I require is the front carpet in black. It appears that I may have to purchase a complete 1956 Fleetwood 60 Special set just to get the front carpet that I need. My concern is whether it will fit the front cabin of my Limo. I suspect that the front carpets are both the same, but ACC was of no assistance. The MPL does provide different part numbers, but that may be as a result of the colors that were available and not fitment specs.

2 Questions:

1) Does anybody know whether the ACC replacement 1956 Fleetwood 60 Special carpet will fit the front floor of my 1956 Limo? I could provide a member who owns a 1956 Fleetwood 60 Special, some front floor measurements which they could compare to their car with a view to determine if they are a match.

2) If carpet is ordered, is "Daytona" type preferred, and how does that compare to what originally was in the car?

Thanks for any assistance. Clay/Lexi

[PHIL WHYTE CLC 14192]

Hi Clay,
I would attempt to buy some carpet off the roll that is as near a match to the original then get an auto upholsterer to cut and edge it the same as your worn original.

[Warren Rauch #4286]

 interior spec"s from 1956 Cadillac Data Book

                     75      60s    62sedan

head room           36.5    35.8     35.2

Shoulder            59.5    59.5     59.4

Hip                 64.4    64.3     64.3

Leg                 43.4    43.3     42.8

seat height         13.8   13.8      12.4

    With most carpet kits the edges are not finished. The leg,hip and seat heights are nearly the same. I would guess there would be enough extra material to make only one kit needed for any body style,but do they do it that way?
   I had two 5675's ,one for parts ,second lost in barn fire. I seem to remember that the front mat went along the sides of the seat all the way to the divider. It may be made different on other series.

Warren

[Lexi]

Some 50 years ago, I bought a partial bolt of carpet and recut it for installatio; 2 front carpets for 1956 Cadillac cars. I just didn't have the "heel protector" there. Might go that route.

The Data Book fails us at critical points as with the 60 Special for example, only noting that the carpet is "a blend of nylon-and rayon-loop pile". The "56 Cadillac Color & Fabric Selections" upholstery (color) book, is also of no help. As I recall, carpet is not even noted there, just upholstery blends with swatch samples. The Master Parts list notes that the instrument panel is the same, as well as the width of all 1956 Cadillac cars at 80". Leads me to believe that the front carpet is probably consistent if not the same for all models that year, (color differences aside). To the best of my knowledge, there was only an automatic transmission offered, so no allowances for a stick shifter anywhere on the floor or transmission tunnel. Clay/Lexi

[Lexi]

Was working on my Grille project yesterday and had a look at the carpet. In my case, my Limo's front carpet does not go up the sides of the front seat to the Divider window. It only partially goes under the front seat. No "U" shaped cut to wrap around the seat rack on each side, just a long straight cut. Looking more like the Series 60 and perhaps even the 62s will fit. I think the only concern is at the door sills if there might be a difference there. Clay/Lexi

[marty55cdv]

I have a 56  60S, It has the "Daytona" tight weave carpet. Let me know if i can help, just returned from the GN.