Getting rid of that damn MK1 smell?

[Jace]

You guys got any tips?

I think I'll wet-vac/steam-vac all the carpets and give the vinyl including headlining a rub down with something...

But I dunno, what do you guys suggest?

It fcking stinks in my car... everytime I open it up I'm rushed with a massive gust of stinky, pungent, musty, 31y/o smell








And no, an air-freshener simply won't cut it.

[lawny]

i love it dude... it gives the car character. so many people comment on it when they get in the car and it reminds them of when they were young! just live with it man.

[Jace]

Ha that's a point, but my car's smell is over the top.
I know what you're saying though. "smells like my dads old car" sort of thing. haha.

[greasykitchen]

What does it actually smell like? Petrol, vinyl, damp/musty? All of the above? If the later, something is wet and water is getting in (duh) so looking at the root cause might be the best bet.

Mine usually smells of vinyl, thankfully.

[Gipson]

check the sound deadening under the carpet, once it gets water sitting in it it stinks to high heaven. best bet is to spend a morning taking it all out and let it air out, or do yourself a favour and throw it in the bin. put some cork matting or something similar in its place

[Jace]

Mmm that's an idea. If I pull up the carpets I might repaint the floors and Dynamat it all.
It just stinks, now that it's mentioned it's probably that old sound deadening material that smells.

I used my schnoz to find out where the smell is coming from a little more specifically, seemed the carpet was it but it could be underneath I suppose.

It's that 'old car smell' x1000. I'm used to it in my daily sled, but my MK1 is much worse.

The sound deadening is all glued down correct? Or will it peel up in one piece (as in, not crumble apart) for me to air it out?

[G-rig]

Maybe new carpet/sound deadening.. failing that light some incense..

[Jace]

My carpet is immaculate, if I pull it out I'll just give it a thorough cleaning and chuck it back in.

[G-rig]

Maybe buy a newer car..

[Jace]

Like a MK6?

[G-rig]

Doesn't need to be that new, just something that doesn't smell 'old'. Just depends what you want i guess. Old smell comes with old cars? Although i had an E30 that was very nice for it's age, but used to smell like fuel as the tank leaked if you filled it up too much as well as wet carpet sometimes .

[Jace]

It does, but this is worse that normal.
I'd be appreciative of money-tree seeds so I can buy a new car!