P15 Originality Question

[chetbrz]

I am not sure how easy it would be to fit or mould new ribbed rubber to fit you car. I had a horrible rubber mat in my '38 Chrysler and when it came time, I just used carpet instead. Not original but certainly easier and looks better. You can only take originality so far.

Robert,

Thanks for the picture.  This puts the whole area in perspective.  As far as your parts car is concerned I am sure that the floor mat has seen better days.  This is the most used area of the car.  I am still exploring what might be done with the front floor.  Carpet is the most probable option.  By the way, thanks for the offer on the mat.  If by some miracle the front mat is in good shape, drop me a line.

Thanks,  Chet?

[RobertKB]

Here is a picture of the original rubber mat in my '48 Dodge D25 Coupe which is basically a Plymouth with Dodge trim. I imagine the mat is the same in the Plymouth. I have a four door parts car but cannot even remember if it has the mat in it and if it does what condition it is in. I will have a look if you are interested but as I said, I have no idea about its condition or even existence. Email me at if interested.

I am not sure how easy it would be to fit or mould new ribbed rubber to fit you car. I had a horrible rubber mat in my '38 Chrysler and when it came time, I just used carpet instead. Not original but certainly easier and looks better. You can only take originality so far.

[chetbrz]

Thanks,

You are absolutely correct, a pattern like that is not available today.  I know I can?t match the rubber to the original but I do think that a reasonable facsimile might be better then carpet.  At least it would retain the vintage look.  Mine is not meant to be a show car just maintaining that 1948 look & feel.

Chet?

[mvair]

I have attached a photo of an original mat from a 1941 P12. It may give you some ideas. The 1941 mats were brown. According to the parts catalog the mats were only available for a short time. Perhpas only the year of manufacture (or until supplies were exhausted). I think the material you show in your post is the closest match you may find. Someone from the club had reproduction 1940 mats made a few years ago, but they are not wide enough for a 41-42 body. I checked into having mats reproduced from what remains of my originals. The cost does not make it practical in the least.

Even though I have spent years doing a restoration that gets as close to factory original as possible, I intend to use the material you show as a substitute for the original mats. The main problem is the origianl mats had a textured border and a rib patter (4 narrow, 1 wide) that probably is not being produced today.

If someone else have different information, I would love to know.

[Jim Benjaminson]

Sorry Chet, I don't, that I can remember off hand.    I will look thru my factory photos and see if anything has even a glimpse of it!

[chetbrz]

Thanks Jim.  I'm glad I found this out before I ordered a carpet set.  I do have a source for industrial ribbed rubber floor covering, to my recollection it looks typical to the auto industry in the 50?s (ie trunk matting) .  Do you have a picture of the pattern you could post ?

See picture:



Chet...

[Jim Benjaminson]

P15's all had rubber mats in front - carpet only in the rear!

[chetbrz]

Thanks Greg.

[plym_46]

Can't answer 100% but I have seen and read both....I have seen Spl Dlx with carpet front and back, I have seen mat front and carpet rear, I wonder if all carpet was an option or a dealer installed thing.  I do know my deluxe coupe is all rubber.

Perhaps some answers here.  there is a borchure drawing of a dodge that show rubber front and carpet back on a club coupe.  

there is also a chart differentiating standard p15 equipment and the difference between the Deluxe and special deluxe levels of equipment.

http://www.allpar.com/history/chrysler-years/1945-1948.html

Some other items mentioned on All par.  I believe this is from Jim Benjiminson's book, where the information was first presented or where it cme from is perhaps  something he can answer.

The same two basic upholstery patterns used in 1942 were continued, with slight variations. One was a pin-striped broadcloth and the other a pile fabric. Broadcloth seems to have been used more than the pile. Each came in blue-gray or gray-green colors, the upholstery color generally matching the exterior paint color. Deluxe models had only one pattern, which differed from the Special Deluxe cars. Door panels on early models used the same material in the lower portion of the door as the seats, with a harmonizing solid color in the top part separated by a sweeping bright molding. Later models used a solid color on the panel. The lower portion of the seats; as well as the doors, utilized a red simulated-leather scuff panel. Deluxe buyers had to settle for a manually controlled dome lamp (it was automatic on Special Deluxes) and do without a glovebox lock, horn ring, front door armrests, door checks, assist straps, coat hooks, simulated rear floor carpeting, rear ash tray, and fixed quarter windows. A single windshield wiper was standard on the Deluxe line, but all cars were factory equipped with two wipers, unless the buyer specifically asked for it to be deleted

[chetbrz]

Did the 1948 P15 Special Deluxe come standard with ribbed rubber in the front or carpet?

Tks,  Chet?