Do I splash out on new carpets?

[Phil T]

I have stripped the carpet out and the passenger seat as the car (Mk2 2000) has the dreaded failure round the handbrake and needs welding up.

The question is shall I splash out on a new carpet set (the old one is a bit naff)? The only bit not removed is the one over the gearbox. Will I need to remove the console to get this out? The carpet picture on Rimmers site seems to have a split joint in that piece.

[johnnydog]

The original transmission tunnel carpet does require the centre console to be removed to get it out in one piece, although a cut under the gearlever gaitor base will help release it with a bit of jiggling, although this will be made easier if the screws into the transmission tunnel under the gaitor are slackened / removed to allow some jiggle room. Getting it back though may be a bit more difficult with the centre console in situ.
Personally, I would avoid aftermarket / remanufactured carpets if at all possible. I have yet to see a set which have the correct fabric / weave, or fit correctly. Invariably they are a poor fit, and require a degree of cutting and glueing to fit anything like they should. Finding original nos carpets is now difficult, but I would definitely consider secondhand, even if a repair is needed, rather then a repro set if nos cannot be found. At least they will fit properly.