Make your own Cargo Liner (Mat)

Flip-Side · Post by **Flip-Side** » Fri Nov 01, 2002 1:31 pm

I decided after seeing my beautiful car getting scratches all over the rear floor, I'd check on getting a mat to protect it. Here is the mat you can get from Pontiac fo $70 U.S. Pretty steep price for such a cheap looking and poor fitting mat. So I went to Home Depot and Lowes, and they have all kinds of carpet, plastic, or rubber type runners for indoors and out. I bought this GREAT stuff at Lowes, which is a ruberized foam with a bottom that wont slide for $15. Update: It is called Anti-Fatigue Mat. Most Lowes have it. I then just used an Exacto-Knife to cut it to size. (after making marks for cutting first). And TA-da, a great looking mat that wont slide, and soft enough to shag on!

ullbergm · Post by **ullbergm** » Fri Nov 01, 2002 11:34 pm

cool, ive been planning on doing this for a while now.. thanks for the pictures

Vibe Rater · Post by **Vibe Rater** » Sat Nov 02, 2002 12:45 am

Please attach pictures of shagging.

Post by **NSimkins** » Sat Nov 02, 2002 4:53 am

Is this all one piece, or separate pieces put together? I went to Home Depot today (didn't get to Lowe's yet) and didn't find anything like this. Let me know.

Flip-Side · Post by **Flip-Side** » Sat Nov 02, 2002 11:03 am

Its all one piece. They come on big rolls just like carpet does, and you just have them cut you a piece at the size you need. Home Depot down here doesn't carry alot of what they use to, so I had to go to Lowes to find some. You should find what you need near the carpet and astro-turf.

ullbergm · Post by **ullbergm** » Sun Nov 03, 2002 6:00 am

Just got back from Lowes, found the stuff with no problem. It is 36 inches wide and was aprox. $3.50/foot.I'll let you know how it goes Does the carpet stay in place pretty good or should i look at attaching it to the cargo rails?

Flip-Side · Post by **Flip-Side** » Sun Nov 03, 2002 6:14 am

My wife went all the way up to Michigan and back this last week and it was right where it was supose to be. I cut it so it hugs the sides of the cargo area, and it seems to stick in place real nice. Just make sure you measure twice, and cut once. You cant really tell in the picture, but I cut off a little to much in some spots. You can attach it to the cargo rails, but it doesnt seam to move. Therefore I will be cutting out strips where the rails are so I can use them. Thanks fer reminding me!

Post by **NSimkins** » Sun Nov 03, 2002 6:16 am

Just bought a 5' section of this stuff today, cut and placed it in the back. Matches perfectly!I also stuck some pieces left over under the spare tire cover. Got rid of alot of rattling noises caused by the loose cover.Thanks again!

ullbergm · Post by **ullbergm** » Sun Nov 03, 2002 6:45 am

quote:I also stuck some pieces left over under the spare tire cover. Got rid of alot of rattling noises caused by the loose cover.Good idea, i hadn't thought of that Hopefully it'll be enough that i dont hear the jumper cables, flares, etc. rattle when i hit a bump.

Michael Matola · Post by **Michael Matola** » Sun Nov 03, 2002 7:03 am

Pretty cool!One question though before I go looking for this rubberized foam stuff -- does anybody think this is the kind of foam stuff that biodegrades and gets all nasty (disintegrates) or possibly would stick to the plastic if it gets wet or too warm (direct sunlight, etc.)?

ullbergm · Post by **ullbergm** » Sun Nov 03, 2002 7:23 am

Good question. I think it's made to be used in areas where you stand up a lot to help your feet. So i think it will hold up to wear and tear, but heat im not sure..

ullbergm · Post by **ullbergm** » Sun Nov 03, 2002 7:28 am

I just tried setting a piece of it on fire. It's not very flammable.. and it doesn't get sticky like a piece of nylon rope. I think it will be pretty safe.

Vibe Rater · Post by **Vibe Rater** » Sun Nov 03, 2002 11:26 am

quote:I just tried setting a piece of it on fire.Should we call the Fire Department for you?

ullbergm · Post by **ullbergm** » Sun Nov 03, 2002 12:01 pm

quote:Should we call the Fire Department for you? LOL naah, its raining outside here in Kentucky..Im not sure what its made of, but it doesnt burn very well.

Flip-Side · Post by **Flip-Side** » Sun Nov 03, 2002 12:40 pm

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>does anybody think this is the kind of foam stuff that biodegrades and gets all nasty (disintegrates) or possibly would stick to the plastic if it gets wet or too warm (direct sunlight, etc.)?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>This material seems fairly tough considering I had slight trouble cutting it. One thing about this stuff is that it will retain marks from heavy objects for a few hours. It is only temporary because after a while, it springs right back to normal. This property also keeps your stuff stationary and safe. There are plenty of other materials out there if this worries you, so you have a few choices.

ullbergm · Post by **ullbergm** » Mon Nov 04, 2002 8:31 am

I just finished my floor mat. It worked out great.Here are some pictures:I didn't cut the edge that goes next to the back seats, i just let it drop down behind the seats. That way the mat will stay in place and wont move. To get it in there you have to fold the seats forward just a little bit, insert the mat and then snap the seats back in place.The floormat also stays in place great if you have to open the spare tire compartment.A few more pictures here Again, great idea Flip-side

rasermon · Post by **rasermon** » Mon Nov 04, 2002 8:44 am

Nice job (ullbergm) & (Flip-side). I have the cargo mat, but would also like to put this down over my back seats when they are folded down.Great idea Flip-Side....

Michael Matola · Post by **Michael Matola** » Mon Nov 04, 2002 8:47 am

Agreed -- great idea. I stopped by Lowe's on the way home and picked up some of the foamy stuff.

ullbergm · Post by **ullbergm** » Mon Nov 04, 2002 8:52 am

quote:I have the cargo mat, but would also like to put this down over my back seats when they are folded down.Great idea Flip-Side.... Im planing on making another one for the same reason. Hopefully i'll be able to make some kind of dove-tail/puzzle shaped connectors to attach the two pieces together. The end would be hidden under the back seats when it was used for the back only, so it wouldnt look strange. I'll post some pictures if i get around to making another piece.Rasermon, please post some pictures when you get yours done.Also, has anybody thought about something that would be used to protect the sides of the cargo area and the back of the front seats?I was thinking maybe something that would be hidden underneath the floor mat and would fold up when you needed it.

Sputnik · Post by **Sputnik** » Mon Nov 04, 2002 8:55 am

Hey you can take the "custom cargo floormat" out of your Wishlist in your signature now.

Flip-Side · Post by **Flip-Side** » Mon Nov 04, 2002 9:18 am

quote:would also like to put this down over my back seats when they are folded down.You read my mind! I was just thinking about using it fer the seats. I also have a lot of pieces left over and they work great to get rid of squeaks if you take the dash apart and place it in the right places. NSimkins already tried this out with his wheel cover.Great ideas everyone!

ullbergm · Post by **ullbergm** » Mon Nov 04, 2002 9:31 am

quote:Hey you can take the "custom cargo floormat" out of your Wishlist in your signature now. lol, thanks.i have signatures turned of (some of them have really big pictures in them) and i didn't even remember i had it in there

shenandoah24 · Post by **shenandoah24** » Mon Nov 04, 2002 9:46 am

My dad used the same stuff for a bedliner in his silverado. Worked very good. It is very resistant to stains too as he hauls diesel fuel and oil in the truck all the time. I am also a former Lowe's employee and know that this stuff is very flame resistant and doesn't breakdown even with corrosive substances. Some things I have put on it to test are bleach, goof-off, paint thinner and mineral spirits. It seemed to hold up great. I don't think it would be a good idea to leave those substances on it for long periods of time as prolonged contact may eventually breakdown the surface. But for normal everyday use--this is perfect!!!! Going to buy some tomorrow!!!!!!!

Flip-Side · Post by **Flip-Side** » Wed Nov 06, 2002 4:39 am

quote:this stuff is very flame resistant and doesn't breakdown even with corrosive substances. You're not kidding. I tested this theory out...uh...for science of course. It took a full 10 seconds of flame to ignite the material. Hehe...I mean...interesting. Here you can see the charred remains. Immediately after removal of the flame, the material snuffed out. It never even melted, it simply resisted the heat up to the point it caught on fire. So no need to worry unless you set your Vibe on fire once and a while. And I'm not talking about your "O-Face".

Sub-Vibe-R · Post by **Sub-Vibe-R** » Thu Nov 07, 2002 2:31 am

I'll do this. It is much better then the Gm cargo mat and it is less expensive. Plus, it is much easier to clean it up then the cargo mat.

Vibe · Post by **Vibe** » Sat Nov 16, 2002 11:55 am

Ok--Now--Time to remove the Halloween lights. I noticed them still hanging in one pic. James

ullbergm · Post by **ullbergm** » Sat Nov 16, 2002 3:10 pm

quote:Ok--Now--Time to remove the Halloween lights. I noticed them still hanging in one pic. James Hehe, yep, they are gone.. now im trying to figure out what to do for christmas.. Wife rejected the idea of a reindeer on the roof

Vibe · Post by **Vibe** » Sun Nov 17, 2002 8:30 am

LOL!!!!!! I was going to put a crashed decorative dear across my front end to make it look like I hit it ---of course the nose would have a red light.powered by the 110Volt plug. But I am still thinking, With that plug I want Christmas lights from front to back,with a light up reef in the back window. James

Mr. Poopypants · Post by **Mr. Poopypants** » Tue Nov 19, 2002 4:48 am

Has anyone tried to use this stuff under a speaker box? It might also kill some of the vibration that filters out into the body of the car.

Sub-Vibe-R · Post by **Sub-Vibe-R** » Tue Nov 19, 2002 5:41 am

quote:Has anyone tried to use this stuff under a speaker box? It might also kill some of the vibration that filters out into the body of the car.It could definally "kill" some rattles

FoxTv · Post by **FoxTv** » Wed Nov 20, 2002 11:46 pm

Anyone know what this stuff is called ?

shenandoah24 · Post by **shenandoah24** » Thu Nov 21, 2002 1:45 am

don't know what it's called--but you can find it in the flooring department at any Lowe's. It is sold by the Linear foot. Hope that helps....

FoxTv · Post by **FoxTv** » Thu Nov 21, 2002 2:33 am

No, it doesn't help, cause there is no Lowe's where I live . Anyway, I will go check for that after work. There must be some thing else. A normal gray carpet might do... I'm sur I will find something Thank's anyway.

Post by **NSimkins** » Thu Nov 21, 2002 2:39 am

The lady at Lowe's said it was called Anti-Fatigue Mat (as well as the label above the reel).This is initially designed for people who stand all day at a certain place to keep their feet comfortable.It does the job as a Cargo Floor Mat, as well.

FoxTv · Post by **FoxTv** » Thu Nov 21, 2002 3:18 am

Ok, thanks. I think you guy's have Tuf Sponge No. 451. See at :http://www.mul-t-mat.com/matfatiguedry.htm . Now, I only have to find something like this

FoxTv · Post by **FoxTv** » Thu Nov 21, 2002 9:45 pm

Darn ! I was not able to find anything that even look like the stuf you guy's use. I try 5 store, and noting. But, the guy at one store, a rug store, told me he could make something. He could make me something with car carpet and some kind of foam. I let you know if I can find or make anything. Beside that, I only find thin black rubber mat.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Dec 20, 2002 6:34 am

I sprung for the cargo mat from Pontiac...well, not really. I ordered it, and the dealer has yet to charge me for it. shhhh But it was WELL worth the investment! It's built well. And it totally stopped everything from sliding all over the place. I used to get bottles of water at the supermart, and they would slide back and forth in the back, and I'd be soo scared they'd bust open...but not anymore! And it can be flipped over to put the rubber side up if you need to for some reason. I think it was a worthy investment. My opinion -- if I'm getting an accessory, I'd like it to be genuine. Which is why I'm broke! ROFL!

Flip-Side · Post by **Flip-Side** » Thu Dec 26, 2002 12:50 pm

quote:My opinion -- if I'm getting an accessory, I'd like it to be genuine. Which is why I'm broke! ROFL!I can always spray paint a pontiac logo on mine.....

Rivlen · Post by **Rivlen** » Thu Sep 04, 2003 2:05 am

Speaking of Paint, has anyone considered a rubberized paint? I remember seeing a type of paint that you could dip tools into to rubberize their handles. Do you think something like this painted on the raised sections of the flooring would be worth the trouble? It would theorecticaly do the same job of stopping 'stuff' from sliding around. Plus you could apply the same treatment to the backs of the rear seats, and you could choose a color, I think at the time there was only Red and Black, ofcourse this was a few years ago I first saw this product.Thoughts?

meathead333 · Post by **meathead333** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 6:49 am

what about pink puffy paint with sparkles? lol

Flip-Side · Post by **Flip-Side** » Wed Oct 29, 2003 10:46 am

quote:what about pink puffy paint with sparkles? lolLol! Don't forget the unicorn with a rainbow in the background. Well folks. I have had my "Do-It-Yourself" cargo mat for over a year now. By no means does it look new, but it has stood up remarkably well against all the crap and crud I've slung back there (A lot).Including:Used motor oil32' Flat-Screen TV (in its box!) Loads of Scrap MetalLawnmowerGroceriesPlants, saplings, soilTONS of luggage (military family)Me (locked out of house for a day)Lots and lots of beer. Cases, crates.....even KEGS!It has been resilient, easy to clean, and never moves out of place. Liquid spills wipe up easy, dirt can't get ground in like carpet, and it kept all my items in place securely. Sharp, hard objects have added numerous scratches and marks, but that just tells me what It has saved my vibe from all my torture. Far as I'm concerned, it was a great investment.

meathead333 · Post by **meathead333** » Thu Oct 30, 2003 6:16 am

mines held up really well too after 6 mos or so. that was a great cheap DIY idea.

DavidPIL · Post by **DavidPIL** » Sun Nov 23, 2003 3:44 am

Hi Flip-Side...Well, I decided to make my own cargo mat as well. My Lowes didn't seem to have the Anti-fatigue mat till a few months ago and cash has been tight so I waited. Picked up the material 2 nights ago, layed the material out, scribed the one side, cut, fit into place then measured the widest part of the trunk, marked it, folded the material so that I could trace the same pattern on the opposite side, traced, cut and VIOLA! perfect fit.Thanks for the ideas on this. Dave

Flip-Side · Post by **Flip-Side** » Mon Nov 24, 2003 5:39 am

Good to hear it Dave! It matches the interior of the vibe so well its hard to notice it at times. Not to mention super-cheap.

renik · Post by **renik** » Wed Dec 31, 2003 1:07 am

Hi all,Does anyone know where I could get this stuff in Canada? I've check Home Depot, Canadian Tire, and Rona without luck.

aggie_vibe · Post by **aggie_vibe** » Mon Jan 05, 2004 1:08 am

I thought I would add my new experiences to this forum.I used this same material for the floor and seat back. Works great, but I had to cut an inch of material from the rear so the rear door would shut. No big deal. I was in New Mexico last week at over 8000 ft (Dallas is 500 ft). So what right? The rubber froze almost solid at negative temperatures and I assume the low pressure made the stuff expand about an inch. When I drove back to Texas all had returned to normal.

mrgoodrt · Post by **mrgoodrt** » Sat Jan 10, 2004 7:09 am

Took your advice Flip-Side and made my own cargo liner, works perfectly! THANKS!

ullbergm · Post by **ullbergm** » Sun Feb 22, 2004 5:21 am

Quote, originally posted by Flip-Side »It has been resilient, easy to clean, and never moves out of place. Liquid spills wipe up easy, dirt can't get ground in like carpet, and it kept all my items in place securely. Sharp, hard objects have added numerous scratches and marks, but that just tells me what It has saved my vibe from all my torture. Far as I'm concerned, it was a great investment. Same here, mine has a bunch of scratches but none on the vibe I really like the way it keeps things from sliding around, perfect.

K6VIBE · Post by **K6VIBE** » Fri Mar 05, 2004 2:49 am

I just went to Home Depot looking for that stuff, but came away with a bound carpet, 2 feet by 4 feet in matching color (grey) for 6 bucks....I bought 2! Figure I can arrange them any way I want depending on the confirguration of the seats. Also, I can pull them out the back to protect the EXPOSED bumper from dog claws or bike parts!Oh,yea, I also just got a dog cage 30 by 20 from HARBORFREIGHT.COM for 20 bucks plus shipping! It fits in with the back seat up!

Jerrod (Knellblast) · Sat Jun 05, 2004 10:21 am

This is a GREAT idea. I'm going out to Lowes tomorrow and picking up the materials to make myself a matt or two!