How to remove embedded mat clips from carpet?

[ajw1100]

Hi.
My wife has recently purchased a 2010 1.4ES and has been given a new set of aftermarket Jazz rubber mats. However there are, I would guess original  Honda clips already embedded in the carpet. These are black in colour around 1.5" long by 3/4" wide and have raised turret's with twist cams on the top. These need to be removed in order to fit the new rubber mats.

My question is how do you remove these clips? They seem to be inserted both front and back through and under the carpet and do not seem to want to leave their present position!
Short of cutting them off I cannot see an easy way to remove them. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Regards
Alan.

[guest3295]

wouldn't it be easier to open a small hole in the rubber mats?
The advantage, would be, that the the rubber mats would behave like the official carpet mat. no?

[ajw1100]

In theory you are right, but in practice not so easy. The fitting in the carpet has a round 'turret' of 17mm dia - on top of which is located a round swivel, also 17mm dia but shaped as an oblong. I would think that the original mats that used these fittings had a 17mm hole on top of which must have sat a washer with an oblong cut out 17mm long to fit the swivel, which, when turned 90 degrees retained the washer and mat in position.

The other problem is that the turret is only 5mm between base and swivel, the new mats are 6mm thick without any washer to put under the swivel. Also the obvious mounting points do not line up with the turrets.

[guest255]

I would use a 'dremel' type tool and try cutting them off.

[guest3295]

I would use a 'dremel' type tool and try cutting them off.

Agree, not so fancy, but at least you would't ruin the clips...

[ajw1100]

I could use a Dremel but that would certainly damage the clips and one slip with 30,000rpm disc would chew up the carpet a treat Dremel's can be very violent at times!

If I cannot remove them in one piece I will use a much slower cutting tool with a safety plate between the clip and the carpet in case of any 'slips'.

Perhaps someone will know how they are installed and so advise how to un-install them.

[guest255]

I could use a Dremel but that would certainly damage the clips and one slip with 30,000rpm disc would chew up the carpet a treat Dremel's can be very violent at times!

If I cannot remove them in one piece I will use a much slower cutting tool with a safety plate between the clip and the carpet in case of any 'slips'.

Perhaps someone will know how they are installed and so advise how to un-install them.

I would think they are pushed through the carpet on the reverse side and the only way to remove would be to remove the carpet and attack them that way.

[ajw1100]

According to my local garage the Jazz does not come with any additional carpets or clips, only the standard moulded floor carpet. The clips are fitted - to the standard moulded floor carpet - with the additional mats retrospectively. If this is true or not I do not know, but that's what I've been told.
I will attack them today and carefully cut them apart, perhaps then I will find out how they went in in the first place!

[ajw1100]

Thought I would try one more time before resorting to brute force. I inserted a wide flat bladed screwdriver under the front of the clip and gave it a good twist, the clip sprang apart so I could slide it out from the rear cut out in the carpet. I have attached a photo of the clip in its open position.

I hope this may help someone in the future who also needs to remove the clips.

[attachment deleted by admin]

[guest3250]

That's really usefull to know
I got Honda matts ( plus small over mats) with my Jazz
But - when these mats wear out I doubt I will replace them with Honda mats as I can bet they will be costly
Helpfull post thanks!

[guest5099]

Just wanted to say thanks to AJW.

I managed to remove my clips to fit some aftermarket Autostyle carpets. I was also able to modify the Honda clips so they fitted the Autostyle carpets a treat - Thanks again

[guest5251]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CAR-MAT-CARPET-CLIPS-FIXING-GRIPS-CLAMPS-FLOOR-HOLDERS-SLEEVES-PREMIUM-BLACK-X-2-/111171946061?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item19e25d464d

i have used the above clips and they are fantastic,they come in two halves the base has a pin in it and all you do is push the pin through the carpet to secure the base,then you cut a hole in the mat insert the round housing and your done,in 5 minutes you have a factory look car mats.