2 year old repro floor mat is starting to dry rot & crack! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bobs409 · 12-14-2011, 08:13 AM

Ackk! I was under the dash and looked down at the floor mat to find many cracks in my fairly new floor mat.

Checking my records shows I bought it on 5/5/09. It was NOT cheap at $84.95 either. I installed it very shortly after that.

I know most repro rubber products are crap but didn't expect this part to fail.

This is sickening the way they are making these repro parts. Just good enough to sell and the hell with how long it lasts.

It's a little hard to tell but this pic shows it. There are 4 cracks outward of the high beam switch hole and 2 long ones above it. Of all places for this to happen too. It doesn't even get any foot traffic there. I haven't checked the rest of it, was too disgusted to continue but I'm sure there will be more.

Sadly, I bought 2 more of these for my other trucks that have yet to be installed. I can tell you that if they too fail, I WON'T be buying more to replace them. Sometimes I think that's exactly what they want. How many sets of door handles am I on now???

Thanks and hope you guys take this warning, save your $84.95 for something else!

blkcorvair · 12-14-2011, 09:36 AM

Thats disappointing...

mpotts64 · 12-14-2011, 09:54 AM

When I was redoing the floor all the floor mats I found were like 1/8" thick. I could not find any good, thick rubber mats. It was either the 1/8" thick one or the molded plastic and I did not want that either. I stripped the seats and all out, cleaned the floor, rust coated it, and had it sprayed with the bed liner. I filled all the creases and indentions so it is a smooth floor and then had it sprayed. The guy who sprayed did one really bad job but that is another matter. May consider a spray-in bedliner floor and then floor the individual floor mats over it.

**special-K** · 12-14-2011, 09:55 AM

New technology I guess. I came up with a new word...cheaproduction out of cheapo repro

**Tim Christian** · 12-14-2011, 10:00 AM

You know those are made in North Carloina.

**Stocker** · 12-14-2011, 10:16 AM

Wish I could remember where I bought a new full rubber floormat some years ago. I wasn't ready to install it so I stored it, still rolled up, in a dry shed with no sunlight (no destructive UV rays) for a year or two. When I got it out to install it, it was rotten -- split, cracked, and badly decayed. I had paid around $85 for it and was not happy. Ended up throwing it away and still have the old mat in the truck -- it's several years old and still in better shape than the 'new' one I tossed out.

It would be nice to find a good source for quality mats.

shawno72 · 12-14-2011, 10:25 AM

I know your pain. My friend bought one for his 72 and it lasted about 18 months. The original one in my 68 which sat on the side of a barn for 20 years looks almost new. Not even a wear spot where foot goes by the gas pedal. Nothing beats OEM quality that's for sure
Posted via Mobile Device

68gmsee · 12-14-2011, 10:42 AM

Sadly, these type of cheap reproductions usually fail right after the warranty periods so leaves you without recourse. About all we can do is to notify the companies and warn others on this site. This way, companies will be more careful in who they buy their materials from.

A post above says they're made in N. Carolina but I wonder where the materials come from to make them. Usually, they're stamped or molded from raw materials made in other locations.

**LockDoc** · 12-14-2011, 11:21 AM

-
I think the main problem is that they don't use any real rubber in any of this stuff any more, or very little. It's all synthetic. Same with wiper blades...

LockDoc

shawno72 · 12-14-2011, 11:33 AM

I know what it is. It's all environmentally safe so it's biodegradable. It decinagrates right before your very eyes.
Posted via Mobile Device

into69z · 12-14-2011, 03:41 PM

Glad you posted this information as I am in the process of buying either a new floor mat or switching to a carpet kit for my 69 truck. Anyone know who this manufacturer is? or does one company make them all and then they are sold under "whatever" name?

bobs409 · 12-14-2011, 03:47 PM

Glad I could help. Wish someone would have warned me before I bought 3 of them!

I don't know the manufacturer but I did buy it from Classic parts. It didn't come in any packaging and no decals on it.

GCncsuHD · 12-14-2011, 04:07 PM

Glad I decided to go to carpet instead of replacing the rubber mat in my 67...but I was in the market for a rubber mat in my 78

oldblue1968chevy · 12-14-2011, 04:48 PM

dang i like the rubber matt

Dunenutt · 12-14-2011, 05:16 PM

I had one in my truck for 10 years. I bought it at NAPA. They may not be the same now, but may be worth a shot.

sboris · 12-14-2011, 06:19 PM

Guess i`m gonna have to rethink this one and do a little research..
Thanks for the heads up.

**special-K** · 12-15-2011, 08:10 AM

I guess this makes a good original mat worth more than 85 bucks.

Rob H. · 12-15-2011, 10:11 AM

Well I guess when I finally get mine changed to 4wd and need the high hump in I'll have to figure something out. Both my trucks have the original mats in them, not too bad really for something 40 years old and covered with dirt and crap!

bobs409 · 12-16-2011, 07:27 AM

I have yet to find a good original mat in any of the junkyard trucks I've seen. Most around here are lucky to have a floor left let alone a mat!

*WAAF* · 12-16-2011, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LockDoc

-
I think the main problem is that they don't use any real rubber in any of this stuff any more, or very little. It's all synthetic. Same with wiper blades...

know what it is. It's all environmentally safe so it's biodegradable. It decinagrates right before your very eyes.
Posted via Mobile Device

LockDoc

x2

CG · 12-16-2011, 10:47 AM

Ive had mine in close to two years now. Ill have to check it out this weekend. As far as I know its still looking great. However I seldom drive my truck so that may be a factor. I got it from board vendor PICKMUP.

12-14-2011, 08:13 AM	#1
bobs409 1969 Custom 30 wrecker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Pottsville, Pa Posts: 2,611	2 year old repro floor mat is starting to dry rot & crack! Ackk! I was under the dash and looked down at the floor mat to find many cracks in my fairly new floor mat. Checking my records shows I bought it on 5/5/09. It was NOT cheap at $84.95 either. I installed it very shortly after that. I know most repro rubber products are crap but didn't expect this part to fail. This is sickening the way they are making these repro parts. Just good enough to sell and the hell with how long it lasts. It's a little hard to tell but this pic shows it. There are 4 cracks outward of the high beam switch hole and 2 long ones above it. Of all places for this to happen too. It doesn't even get any foot traffic there. I haven't checked the rest of it, was too disgusted to continue but I'm sure there will be more. Sadly, I bought 2 more of these for my other trucks that have yet to be installed. I can tell you that if they too fail, I WON'T be buying more to replace them. Sometimes I think that's exactly what they want. How many sets of door handles am I on now??? Thanks and hope you guys take this warning, save your $84.95 for something else! Attached Images __________________ Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10

12-14-2011, 09:36 AM	#2
blkcorvair Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 787	Re: 2 year old repro floor mat is starting to dry rot & crack! Thats disappointing...

12-14-2011, 09:54 AM	#3
mpotts64 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Texarkana, AR Posts: 123	Re: 2 year old repro floor mat is starting to dry rot & crack! When I was redoing the floor all the floor mats I found were like 1/8" thick. I could not find any good, thick rubber mats. It was either the 1/8" thick one or the molded plastic and I did not want that either. I stripped the seats and all out, cleaned the floor, rust coated it, and had it sprayed with the bed liner. I filled all the creases and indentions so it is a smooth floor and then had it sprayed. The guy who sprayed did one really bad job but that is another matter. May consider a spray-in bedliner floor and then floor the individual floor mats over it. __________________ No one ever fell to the top of a mountain. When asked why I work on old trucks, I tell them: Been married 27 years, sons are pretty much gone, don't like the wife anymore and don't have a girlfriend, so, gotta do something, the old trucks are cheaper and less drama than a girlfriend -

12-14-2011, 09:55 AM	#4
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: 2 year old repro floor mat is starting to dry rot & crack! New technology I guess. I came up with a new word...cheaproduction out of cheapo repro __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

12-14-2011, 10:00 AM	#5
Tim Christian Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: TN/VA Posts: 6,388	Re: 2 year old repro floor mat is starting to dry rot & crack! You know those are made in North Carloina.

12-14-2011, 10:16 AM	#6
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,728	Re: 2 year old repro floor mat is starting to dry rot & crack! Wish I could remember where I bought a new full rubber floormat some years ago. I wasn't ready to install it so I stored it, still rolled up, in a dry shed with no sunlight (no destructive UV rays) for a year or two. When I got it out to install it, it was rotten -- split, cracked, and badly decayed. I had paid around $85 for it and was not happy. Ended up throwing it away and still have the old mat in the truck -- it's several years old and still in better shape than the 'new' one I tossed out. It would be nice to find a good source for quality mats. __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

12-14-2011, 10:25 AM	#7
shawno72 C/10 junkie Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Stockton Ca Posts: 9,093	Re: 2 year old repro floor mat is starting to dry rot & crack! I know your pain. My friend bought one for his 72 and it lasted about 18 months. The original one in my 68 which sat on the side of a barn for 20 years looks almost new. Not even a wear spot where foot goes by the gas pedal. Nothing beats OEM quality that's for sure Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Shawn 70 LWB C10 current driver/project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=663051 68 SWB C10 Work in progress.....SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=559520 72 LWB C10 Sold 71 LWB C10 Sold 68 LWB C10 CST Sold http://youtu.be/kbB0QrBIs9k My mom always had the best advice. It was just a tad late. After a fall that involved blood, she'd say....."Careful!"

12-14-2011, 10:42 AM	#8
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: 2 year old repro floor mat is starting to dry rot & crack! Sadly, these type of cheap reproductions usually fail right after the warranty periods so leaves you without recourse. About all we can do is to notify the companies and warn others on this site. This way, companies will be more careful in who they buy their materials from. A post above says they're made in N. Carolina but I wonder where the materials come from to make them. Usually, they're stamped or molded from raw materials made in other locations.

12-14-2011, 11:21 AM	#9
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,818	Re: 2 year old repro floor mat is starting to dry rot & crack! - I think the main problem is that they don't use any real rubber in any of this stuff any more, or very little. It's all synthetic. Same with wiper blades... LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

12-14-2011, 11:33 AM	#10
shawno72 C/10 junkie Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Stockton Ca Posts: 9,093	Re: 2 year old repro floor mat is starting to dry rot & crack! I know what it is. It's all environmentally safe so it's biodegradable. It decinagrates right before your very eyes. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Shawn 70 LWB C10 current driver/project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=663051 68 SWB C10 Work in progress.....SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=559520 72 LWB C10 Sold 71 LWB C10 Sold 68 LWB C10 CST Sold http://youtu.be/kbB0QrBIs9k My mom always had the best advice. It was just a tad late. After a fall that involved blood, she'd say....."Careful!"

12-14-2011, 03:41 PM	#11
into69z "brand new second-hand" Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: White House, Tennessee Posts: 526	Re: 2 year old repro floor mat is starting to dry rot & crack! Glad you posted this information as I am in the process of buying either a new floor mat or switching to a carpet kit for my 69 truck. Anyone know who this manufacturer is? or does one company make them all and then they are sold under "whatever" name? __________________ Steve 69 3/4t custom camper tilt,am/fm,speed warning,air gauge,buddy buckets,aux battery, big block,p/s,p/b,a/c 67 Camaro 96 Impala ss-sold 04 hybrid Honda-saving gas for the blue truck!:b69:

12-14-2011, 03:47 PM	#12
bobs409 1969 Custom 30 wrecker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Pottsville, Pa Posts: 2,611	Re: 2 year old repro floor mat is starting to dry rot & crack! Glad I could help. Wish someone would have warned me before I bought 3 of them! I don't know the manufacturer but I did buy it from Classic parts. It didn't come in any packaging and no decals on it. __________________ Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10

12-14-2011, 04:07 PM	#13
GCncsuHD Charlie Daniels w/ a Tq Wrench Join Date: May 2009 Location: Statesville, NC Posts: 1,570	Re: 2 year old repro floor mat is starting to dry rot & crack! Glad I decided to go to carpet instead of replacing the rubber mat in my 67...but I was in the market for a rubber mat in my 78 __________________ ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ 67 C10 Shortbed "Great Grandpa's Truck" I6 3 on the Tree 71k original miles 5.3 swap in the works 69 K5 Blazer-Family Beach Cruiser Project 78 K30 Dually Semi-Retired Fire Truck 350/SM465 35"s SOLD01 2500HD ECSB 6.0 4x4 5.13's 8" lift 38"s

12-14-2011, 04:48 PM	#14
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: 2 year old repro floor mat is starting to dry rot & crack! dang i like the rubber matt __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

12-14-2011, 05:16 PM	#15
Dunenutt Newbee Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 1,406	Re: 2 year old repro floor mat is starting to dry rot & crack! I had one in my truck for 10 years. I bought it at NAPA. They may not be the same now, but may be worth a shot. __________________ My Build, http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...58#post4464158



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12-14-2011, 06:19 PM	#16
sboris Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Osceola, Ia Posts: 2,017	Re: 2 year old repro floor mat is starting to dry rot & crack! Guess i`m gonna have to rethink this one and do a little research.. Thanks for the heads up. __________________ Shawn 68 chevy K/20 05 chevy 3/4 4x4 71 short step-sold 71 chevy Beauville van My build. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=633039

12-15-2011, 08:10 AM	#17
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: 2 year old repro floor mat is starting to dry rot & crack! I guess this makes a good original mat worth more than 85 bucks. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

12-15-2011, 10:11 AM	#18
Rob H. Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Petersville KY Posts: 673	Re: 2 year old repro floor mat is starting to dry rot & crack! Well I guess when I finally get mine changed to 4wd and need the high hump in I'll have to figure something out. Both my trucks have the original mats in them, not too bad really for something 40 years old and covered with dirt and crap! __________________ Rob 72 C/10 (under reconstruction)(destruction ? LOL) 48 Willys CJ2A 1952 Super "A" Farmall (Grandfather's)

12-16-2011, 07:27 AM	#19
bobs409 1969 Custom 30 wrecker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Pottsville, Pa Posts: 2,611	Re: 2 year old repro floor mat is starting to dry rot & crack! I have yet to find a good original mat in any of the junkyard trucks I've seen. Most around here are lucky to have a floor left let alone a mat! __________________ Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10

12-16-2011, 10:47 AM	#21
CG BlahBlahBlah Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Wa. Posts: 20,035	Re: 2 year old repro floor mat is starting to dry rot & crack! Ive had mine in close to two years now. Ill have to check it out this weekend. As far as I know its still looking great. However I seldom drive my truck so that may be a factor. I got it from board vendor PICKMUP. __________________ … … … … … … … … ... … … … … … … … … … … …

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