Early in the process, I saw all the pics of Cocomats, and read people’s reports. That looked like the obvious choice. Then people on here started saying I should look at different materials for my Cocomats. I ordered templates and samples, and that is still in process.
Meanwhile, I am tired of the factory wrapper on my carpets protecting the white German wool. It’s in tatters in some places and it’s time for mats in a hurry!
Another input was my visit to a real 356 collector. His first comment on seeing a pic of the interior was “what’s the deal with the carpets?” He said 356s have rubber mats, and showed me. He had Cocomats over his rubber mats, and I liked the look.
356 rubber mats do not fit our cars without some modification perhaps, and I’m not sure even then. They are also bloody expensive. So, I started puzzling, as I am wont to do. Here is the solution I have decided on.
I bought a set of beetle replica rubber mats correct for a 1969 chassis - front only. I got mine at Wolfsburg West, but I am sure there are other vendors. The stripes in the rubber go the wrong direction, but they shape should be perfect.
I will still put my (eventual) Cocomats on top.
I plan to cut the orange part out of the VW mat, and use it for the red area. To have a 356 look, I just need what sticks out from cocomats. It’s really the front most part that has to be continuous. I also like the look of the carpet around the shifter and between the seats. So the orange part comes out.
I will use the orange scrap on the left side where the red marking in the photo is. My goal is I want the rubber around where my feet are in the foot box. I can’t figure out why bugs never had the side beams covered with rubber to protect that area, and any carpet there. When I say “beam,” I mean the raised part to the left of our left foot. Being oatmeal carpet, mine is definitely going to show wear. It’s still covered with the new manufacturer covering, but that is temporary. The finished product will look kind of like a 356 mat, but will have the side beam covered.
I considered the aluminum solution @Butcher Boy created, and I may still go that direction if I am not satisfied with the VW rubber on the side.
Another direction that MAY happen some time down the line in the future... I found that you can buy the bulk material for 356 mats from a vendor in the UK. https://replicaparts.co.uk/col...-mat-or-tunnel-trunk. The size is 1x1.2M. Bulk is a lot cheaper than 356 mats. I could replace the rubber that sticks out from the Cocomats with 356-look rubber. So the orange part below isn’t necessary, and a single 1x1.2 sheet should cover the black part in my VW shape.
The only real reason to go this direction is to have the rubber stripes going horizontal instead of VW vertical. It’s a small point, so I may never do it if I like the VW mat solution.
I’ll updated this thread as it comes together.
