I need to replace the cargo mat in my '71 Vista Cruiser, but none are reproduced. The original is a heavy rubber backed vinyl with a black/aqua houndstooth pattern.
I cannot find anyone selling a mat for the VC, or anyone selling this material by the foot so my thought is to use the Cutlass mat and cut it down to size.

Question: The Cutlass trunk mats are reproduced, but are they heavy rubber backed? Are they as durable as the original?
I've read where the pattern on the repros is silkscreened whereas the original's color and pattern was integral with the vinyl, and, because the pattern is silkscreened it is not resistant to cleaners or solvents like the original was.

Any info or advice is appreciated.

 

You may want to go a different way. Those heavy rubber mats are condensation magnets and while that might not be as big a consideration in a wagon, it's still something you may wish to avoid.

 

Yep, I understand that all too well, from my previous cars. But in this case my goal is originality.

 

The Cutlass trunk mats are "sort of" reproduced. I say sort of b/c the material really isn't that close to the original material.

On the repro mat backing...they did get that "right" in that the backing is a weak/thin closed cell foam like the originals had. It's not very durable (the backing) and seems to dry out and sort of crumble over time. It's not a "heavy" backing that you mention.

The topside of the repro mats isn't very durable either......it seems to get fuzzy rather easily so best not to put stuff on it that's going to move around or rub on the mat very much. It is what it is.

 

I choose to not use anything on my trunk floor. I'm not a trophy chaser though.
During cruise season I put thick towels down, red to match the exterior. This is padding for the tool box, beer cooler n box with HEI module bottle jack etc.

I pull all that schizt out except the towels and put a picture binder in the trunk for all to view when showing.

Winter time everything comes out, trunk is cracked open to allow the de humidification to chase tin worms.

My car is a 95% nut n bolter too. I fight the tin worm wars 24-7-366. Vinyl mat is a no go.

I thought this material was being USA reproduced by the tri-five and NCRS groups...the real stuff. They are a good substitute for the Olds pattern. Someone was making a breathable version/solution at one time.

 

droldsmorland, thanks, I'll check out tri-five & NCRS groups.
70Post, appreciate the response. It's my understanding that Olds & Pontiac got the heavy rubber backed vinyl where as Chevy got the foam backed stuff. It's been eons but I'm pretty sure my '68 Caprice had the foam backed liner.
Which is why I posted this - If I know the '71 Cutlass mat is the heavy rubber backed stuff, then I'll probably opt for that barring not finding the correct stuff that droldsmorland suggested.

 

I use my vehicle a lot in the summer going to grandkid events and usually haul chairs, coolers, and what not in the trunk. I'm likely to make some patterns and cut out some cheap carpet that can breath a bit so it doesn't rust up as I don't want stuff rattling around back there -- plus the trunk isn't in brand new condition so stuff can get dirty and maybe a rust scratch onto the plastic coolers and such. So the carpet isn't a factory option, but will help a lot. And as mentioned, a vinyl mat isn't a long term solution with the propensity for rust. It's also not worth having some upholstery team custom build something super nice. If there are any cheapo mats or anything available, it might cut my design time down a bit.