Cargo area mat, better idea, new material :-)

[pianomansam]

Hello all! I got my 05 Vibe Base a month ago, found this site a few weeks ago, and now for my first post I have an awesome mod. Like most people on here, I have a need for a cargo area mat to prevent items from sliding around in the back. I've seen the posts for using enterance mats to using carpet to using the factory mat. The big problem I've thought about though with these approaches was that if you wanted to get to something under the mat (i.e. doughnut tire, compartments, child seat hooks, etc.), you needed to remove the mat. Or if you wanted to use the rails to tie something down, you needed to remove it as well. So I wanted to come up with a way to not have to remove the mat but leave it on at all times and still have access to those things below. This means I'd have to fasten the mat to the floor but cut holes for the knobs and rails and such. So I wanted an easily cut material that would stay together even after chop-sueed. Plus it probably shouldn't way too much since it would be on the back of the covers. Enter the toolbox non-slip liner. It is very light and easily cut, plus with some velcro it'll fasten to the floor. Cost: $8.98 at walmart. I used alittle more than one sleeve of it, but I'm looking to cover the back of the seats too. One sleeve would be plenty for just the back. It also happens to be the right color for my dark gray interior, and probably would be fine in the light gray one too.Roll it out and grab some markers that will show up on dark material. I used some gell pens I had laying around that were made to write on black paper. With the holes in the material, you can see right through to make exactly where to cutThe final product will have to wait since I ran out of time last Saturday. All I need to do left is cut the material and fasten it on. Final pictures will come! So, what do you guys think of my first mod? Any problems you can forsee using this material?

[vibe-04]

Nice touch, thatmaterial is stong enough so you should be good to go. That stuff is like anti-skid rug underpad and grips to most sufaces.Great first post Andrew

[JohnC]

Great idea. Thanks

[nortsr]

What size does the mat product come in. Is it wide enough to make it a one piece project?

[pianomansam]

Quote, originally posted by nortsr »What size does the mat product come in. Is it wide enough to make it a one piece project?One bundle would have covered the entire back and the 40 part of the 40/60 seats... I know Lowes had a similar bundle, except for like $15 and had like 9 more inches length but wasn't as wide...

[binary]

That stuff is nice, I have it in every drawer of my toolbox that doesn't have foam. Nothing moves.I don't think it would last very long though - the checkerboard design will pull apart with heavy loads. But I haven't tried it in my Vibe - so who's to say?!

[pianomansam]

New pics! I got the first row of matting down and had a change to try it out today... take a look! the bag didn't move an inch! here's a closer look of the install. You'll notice some markings still on it. they should wash right off... I might be installing the rest of the matting tomorrow, so if I do I'll make sure to post final product pics

[nortsr]

How a re you going to attach it to the rear seat backs? Velcro??

[pianomansam]

Velcro all the way, even on the caro area

[ajf3ajf3]

How is the matting holding up for you?I'm thinking about putting it in mine, but am unsure of whether or not it'll get ripped up. I will have my dog back there now and again... until I get something going there, I'm letting him sit on the passenger seat since the back is like an ice rink without anything covering it!

[pianomansam]

seems to be holding up alright so far. don't know if i'd trust it with a dog though

[dave9382]

how did you get the material to stick. What type of adhesive did you use? I am having issues getting it to stick to the plastic.

[pianomansam]

Quote, originally posted by dave9382 »how did you get the material to stick. What type of adhesive did you use? I am having issues getting it to stick to the plastic.Velcro! It needed some pressure applied for a while. Also, I did it when it was warm so the sticky side was sticking. Let's see some pictures!

[dave9382]

i will once i have it right, but it has been too cold to stick right, i might have to retry in spring with some new velcro

[llenrocs]

I made a cargo mat for my 2005 Vibe using those foam-rubber excersise mat panels that they use at the gym. They are about 2'x2', 1/4" thick and fit together like a puzzle. I just made a pattern using paper and cut the mat using a utility knife.My job often requires that I carry oily, dirty parts in my car and these are great because they are easy to clean up and they still prevent things from sliding around too much.They are pretty lightweight also so you could attach them with velcro if you like.

[michiganguy]

Wondering why you are going to all this trouble if you are plannng on selling your car?!?!

[pianomansam]

Quote, originally posted by michiganguy »Wondering why you are going to all this trouble if you are plannng on selling your car?!?!Well, to increase it's usefulness the for amount of time I have it.

[pianomansam]

The project is now completed.