'61 trunk mat - repair or leave as is - shine it

[John G.]

This is the front and back of the trunk mat from my 1961 which is original per previous NCRS judging.

If I should attempt to repair the tears what process should I use? Or just leave it as is?

On my '88 spare tire I used Meguiar's #40 vinyl & rubber cleaner/conditioner and it made my tire look very close to the likely original appearance. Should I do the same or just leave it as is?

[Ed H.]

Re: '61 trunk mat - repair or leave as is - shine it

Bag it in a clear plastic bag and put it back. Treat as if it was your baby grandson.

[Harry S.]

Re: '61 trunk mat - repair or leave as is - shine it

Agree with Ed.....

[Tom D.]

Re: '61 trunk mat - repair or leave as is - shine it

You indicated Prior NCRS judging. What were the condition points you lost in that process?
And, what would a judge deduct if the mat was a reproduction. (I understand the bottom side would be different from what you have.)

[John G.]

Re: '61 trunk mat - repair or leave as is - shine it

The trunk mat is a 15/5 item on the score sheet that I have from judging. My deducts were 0/1 - so not much. I don't know about the repro but I know the judges can determine it's such so I would assume I'd lose more points than I did with the original. My own rule so far is that an imperfect original beats better looking but obvious repro parts.

I have things I basically can't fix like the paint shine (too many buff outs sine it was repainted in 1982 with lacquer) so I'm working on everything else even if it's just a point or two. I've done just about every little item such as bolts and screws or have them on a list.

When you say bag it I'm assuming that you mean to leave it in the car so that it's flat. Correct?

[Gary C.]

Re: '61 trunk mat - repair or leave as is - shine it

John,

Cut a piece of cardboard or poster board to match the trunk mat, then enclose in a clear plastic bag. If you can get an "acid free" bag that large, use it. That's what the previous posters were meaning by "bag it".

When a Judge wants to see the back side, remove the cardboard from the back, place it over the front side and then flip the bag over. That way there won't be any stress on your original mat.

Gary
....

[John G.]

Re: '61 trunk mat - repair or leave as is - shine it

Cool idea. Will do. For a bag I have regular painter's plastic but I doubt that's acid free. I'll stop by the dry cleaning store and see what I can find.

Thanks for the help. Onward to other issues related to getting to TF.

[Tom B.]

Re: '61 trunk mat - repair or leave as is - shine it

My own rule so far is that an imperfect original beats better looking but obvious repro parts.

I absolutely agree with that statement.

Tom