Re: front rubber mat 22nd series

Posted by Fish'n Jim On 2023/6/9 10:17:23

The guy in Canada, CNC machines from a digital file on flat stock and then coats to give the smooth surface. He can only make the rubber. He was seasonal based on volume. I talked to him on the phone but many years now.
Someone else claimed to have made from a mold but the quality was not acceptable as the part was not pristine and I never heard more from them. I contacted other potential suppliers too.
I have all the info, drawings, etc. but no longer am pursuing as that project is back burner and changed from a resto to a hot rod/custom. Not to mention, at my age, the faster I move the slower I get.
The sill mat is backed by a steel backer that has slots and clips that engage the rocker panel, so that steel piece has to be created as well, as they rot. It requires a stamping. Then a rubber part has to be laminated to that backer. That technology isn't done much today. Mostly glues, etc. Not a DIY process either, need chemicals and heat and pressure/press.
There just is not enough need to justify any break even enterprise here. I had maybe a handful interested. Plus there's the coupe v 4 dr split.
They used to do things that way, but the buggy whip effect applies here.
I'm not a fan of OEM rubber floor mats, and authenticity for me is trumped by functional. Natural rubber just doesn't last, so it'll need replaced at some point. If you put that time and money in, it has to last, and the OEM may not give the best life. They weren't designed that way. Crank out the model year mode.
Ps: I have a copy of the 23 series sill mat drawing and had it digitized, if anyone needs it. Not going to wholesale distribute as I paid for it, genuine need only.