Auto body repair & detailing: Replacing auto carpet, color carpet, carpet color

Question
Hello Michael,

I have a 1997 Ford F150 that had a leak in the rear window, as well as around the windshield.  Consequently the floorboard under my carpet started to rust in several places and it has bled up into my carpet, which is a light tan or Beige color.  It has all kinds of dark red spots on it that won't come out.  I have the leaks fixed, so now I'm wanting to, first take out the old carpet and fix the rust spots and seal them, then replace the carpet with a new one.

The problem is there are so many similar colors to choose from I'm not sure which one is right.  And I need to get it right because both doors have carpet material on them that matches the interior carpet.  I've checked the paint codes on the sticker inside the driver side door but I can't find anything pertaining to the carpet or interior color.  I found a place to buy it on Ebay that has every color imaginable but without actually having a sample I'm afraid it won't match.  

What would you suggest?  To your knowledge, can you use the VIN number to find out specific info about a vehicle, such as the paint color, carpet color, etc.?  Or would it be easier to go to a Ford dealer and let them figure it out?

Thanks,
Gary  

Answer
GARY....ON THE DOOR OR PILLAR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE IS A 3X5 DECAL THAT HAS THE VIN # AND A BUNCH
OF NUMBERS. I THINK YOU HAVE TO FIND THE LETTERS TR AND EITHER BELOW THAT OR NEXT TO THAT IS A CODE.

THAT IS A TRIM CODE FOR FORD TO MATCH YOUR INTERIOR. WITH THAT CODE ANYTHING ON THE INSIDE OF YOUR TRUCK CAN BE ORDERED.

I WOULDN'T GO TO THE DEALER DUE THE COST INVOLVED...YOU MAY WANT TO CK WITH A TRIM/UPHOLSTERY
SHOP FOR A PRICE...YOU WILL FIND THAT THEY ARE SUBSTANTIALLY LOWER.

GOOD LUCK