Description
Serveral years ago the need for a floor mat for a 1939 Plymouth P8 model came about. There were no suppliers found who would or could produce this mat design. This presented a challenge to create the tooling to produce this mat. Collecting several pieces of original floor mats from 1939 P8 and 1938 P6 models, a tooling order was placed. Archive photos from the Chrysler collection helped to authenticate the mat design.
The research opened several paths. One path indicated that the P6, P7 & P8 were not exclusive in requiring this mat but other Chrysler products needed this style of mat. Records show that 1937 through 1940 and possible 1941 Plymouths use this mat and some Dodges and DeSoto’s also may have used it. With this information, the tool size was expanded in all directions to accommodate additional models. The ‘BROWN’ color is derived from a variety of part samples from various P8 owners and with the help from computer color analysis.
The mat dimensions are approximate as follows: Top to bottom 40”; Seat width 57” tapering down to a Dash width 46”. The mat has horizontal alternate height stripes with vertical alternate height stripes with a pebble finish on the outer edges. The mat is made oversized – trimming is often required.
Installation Procedure:
Place the mat in the vehicle for at least 24 hours in 60ºF and above temperatures before any cutting takes place. The mat is made from molding rubber that will ‘learn’ a shape.
Once the mat has ‘learned’ the floor, Place the mat at the leading edge of the front seat, centering the mat from door to door.
- Unroll the mat towards the shifter (if so equipped) trim the mat as required.
- Continue unrolling forward to the pedals, dimmer, etc.
Once the mat is fitted from seat to dash, then mark doorsills and trim to fit under doorsills.
The rubber hardness of the mat is 60 and with proper care should provide many miles of motoring and show pleasure. Excess mold release wax may be removed with mineral spirits.