"Mass Back" carpet vs water?

[poisonbl]

I'm about 1/2 way through cleaning my old carpet (in my living room floor, I should track down my camera for a good before and after in one shot with how it sits)... and given the time, energy, and money I've put into cleaning it (notably given the deep set, never going away, stains) I'm leaning towards replacing it in the relatively near term, and probably before I put the same amount or more into the driver's side. Weight's of no concern to me compared to comfort, so if I do replace it, I'll be going with the "mass back" ACC carpet via LMR. My only worry with it is over how breathable it is or isn't, and how it will a) potentially prevent the floor pan itself from seeing the occasional spatter of rain when I have the top down on a hot but otherwise iffy day, and b) trap any moisture that might get *beneath* it against the floor pan, causing more harm than good...

So, while I've found a lot of opinions on the mass backing for its primary goal of a quieter, somewhat more plush feeling, ride... how does it coexist with a daily-driven convertible? Anyone have any opinions or experience to share?

Also, I'm about 50/50 on whether to go with black or saddle for it... black will avoid worry over stains but saddle will make sun bleaching over time slightly less apparent and absorb less heat from direct sunlight (the #1 reason I absolutely love the saddle cloth seats... that I need to repair, potentially re-foam and re-upholster).

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As a side note regarding cleaning the old carpet... doing the job by hand, the old fashioned way, primarily water and towels... and I'm still coming out of the passenger side with very dark coffee-colored water consistently... tempted to throw it in a bathtub and submerge it, brush it, and repeat 4-5 times per side... but managing the other half will be a serious pain with doing that... especially since it's split all the way back through where the e-brake rear mount sits (covered by the console, but still there).

 

[ttocs]

not sure what you budget is but if you want an alternative that will not have to worry about water check this out.

http://store.secondskinaudio.com/luxury-liner-pro/

Closed cell foam and vinyl damping. I used it in my car when I redid the carpet and it is quieter now then it was with the stick jute. When I redid mine I didn't bother ordering the kit. You can get some unbacked upholstery carpeting and do the job your self for a lot less to make up for the money spent on the luxery liner. I transferred the mounting hardware over from the old carpet(side plastic piece under the door sill and the floor-mat hook on the drivers side) to the new stuff and you can't tell.

 

[chris91]

Id take it outside and soak it down with water. Then spray the hell outta it with degreaser and let it sit for a while. Then scrub away. Rinse, shop vac it up and let it dry. If its not to your liking, repeat.

I was also told by a buddy of mine that does household carpet cleaning that OxyClean is his magic stain remover. He said for the stubborn stains he sprays the hell outta it and lets it sit for hours. He said sometimes he will leave a bottle with the customer and have them respray it once or twice and let it sit for a while. Usually the stain will be lifted.