Another "Look what I did"!

[flyboyjack]

Hi folks,
well this will be my second try at posting this. Anyway, a couple months ago I ordered a "custom fit" CAD designed dash mat for the truck. It sure looked good, but when I put it in the truck the ends were about 3/4" to 1" on both ends. Living in south Florida with the strong sun here, I didn't think this to be the best option. I sent it back.
Then I got a long, sturdy piece of cardboard, cut it to fit and placed it on the garage floor and covered the front half with moist towels. I let it set for about a day then placed the moistened cardboard onto the dash and began to use hand pressure to reshape/bend the front portion to fit the curvature of the dash. I left it on the dash for several days and would slightly re-moisten the cardboard and reshape it. It then dried and I covered it after cutting the defroster holes with the charcoal trunk liner I found on eBay, (3' x 6') for about $10. I used 3M heavy duty spray glue, lined the defroster holes with 1/2" rubber "U" molding and did not have to use any of the Velcro tabs that came with the "custom fit". I've used it in all wind conditions and it doesn't move. I think all told, I'm a little over $25 and a much better fit. Also it's so easy to remove if you want to show your truck. I hope this helps someone.

P.S. sorry about the cattywampus pix. (Not smart enough to know what I did wrong or how to fix 'em)

[DennisP]

I like it! Great idea. Cool when you can come up with something better than the "custom" ones for sale out there.
I may have to try my hand at this. Thank you for the idea!

[MySons68C20]

[35boulder]

flip for you!

[sick472]

That's good stuff right there! Way to fight the "man" and get what you want.

[dmjlambert]

I like it. Could you give a link to the trunk liner material you picked?

[Llay R. Rac]

that is downright slick, i'm going to make one for my truck.
maybe paint or coat the cardboard with resin or glue to give it a little substance.
Did you use corrugated cardboard or a chip board type cardboard.?

[flyboyjack]

Hi again folks,

sorry about the late reply, but for some reason our site isn't letting me know there are responses to my posts, etc..

I did in fact just use corrugated cardboard. I too, thought about using resin to stiffen it. This was my first try but it turned out so well, I didn't go any further.

Here is the link from my eBay purchase. It was obviously way more fabric than I needed. I almost used some fabric I found at a sewing supply place. And I didn't remember paying almost $20, but I guess I did. Here's the link:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-Yard-Char...72.m2749.l2649

This stuff is all over eBay. and probably at lower prices too.

Also you can see in the pix of the unit standing in the sun there is a definite shadow line. That was because I lightly scored the top of the cardboard so it would contour to the shape of the dash. An additional layer of fabric would make that disappear as well but it's all but unnoticeable and I actually sort of like it.