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A New Trunk Mat Finishes Off the Back End of Your Restoration

When restoring a classic, don`t overlook the trunk. Here, we help you find the right molded trunk liner to create visual WOW for shows and personal enjoyment.
A New Trunk Mat Finishes Off the Back End of Your Restoration

If you’re in the process of restoring an older classic, it’s a safe bet you can relate to the phrase “labor of love”. Metal is scraped bare of worn paint and corrosion, compromised areas are cut, welded and filled, new paint is applied, then all parts are put together again with a high degree of TLC. Brand new nuts, bolts, washers, and other hardware now fit together the way they should – unlike old ones that may have been seized in place.

Restored Trunk Area Of Older Classic
Trunk Area Covered With Decorative Trim

Moving parts now move with silence and ease as if they're made of Teflon. The combination of all these details creates a gleam of newness so thorough that your vehicle now seems like it just rolled off the assembly line. Maybe you haven't reached that point completely yet, but you understand this feeling. After all the metal has been refreshed, it's time to take care of finishing touches such as decorative trim. Trunk liners are one example of an important area that's easily overlooked.

Collector Car Show Judge Checking Cleanliness Of Trunk Area

In this article, we'll help you find the right molded trunk liner that will help you finish off the back end of your restoration and create visual WOW when your trunk lid is opened. The good news is, these trunk liners are relatively inexpensive, and they come pre-fitted to all the contours of your specific make and model.

Right Molded Trunk Liner
Authentic Looking Trunk Liner

The condition and cleanliness of your trunk liner can bring joy anytime you open the lid, but it truly matters if you'll be participating in collector car shows where judging is performed on a point scale. Using examples of concours score sheets, points given for trunk liner condition will typically count for 25% of the total trunk area score, along with other things such as the trunk lid panel, spare tire, tool kit, etc. When you consider that points given for the total overall trunk area can count for up to one-fifth of the total vehicle score, a new fitted liner can make a big difference all by itself.

But even if no one else should ever see it, you'll know you've got a new, authentic-looking trunk liner riding in back. When you think about how long you'll probably own your collector vehicle, the small upfront cost of purchasing the trunk liner pales in comparison to the positive state of mind it will create over many years and miles.

Installation Is Easy And Takes A Short Amount Of Time

Replacement Pre-Fitted Trunk Liner

Installing a new pre-fitted liner in your trunk is extremely easy, so there’s no reason not to get one. If you haven’t already removed your old liner during restoration, simply give it a gentle tug or two to loosen any old adhesive still in place. The replacement trunk liners we sell come pre-fitted to all shapes and contours of your trunk floor – however, it’s a good idea to use your old liner as a template to see if any excess material needs to be trimmed off.

When you lay your new liner on the trunk floor, it should be an even, snug fit all around. Applying adhesive to hold the new liner in place is not necessary in most cases - but if you choose to, apply no more than a light coating after establishing that the correct dry fit has been reached.

Trunk Liners That Aren’t Carpeted

ACC Standard Replacement Cargo Mat
The ACC Replacement Cargo Mat.

For classic vehicles that used a layer of thin vinyl with or without printed patterns, the Auto Custom Carpets Replacement Cargo Mat replicates these OEM layouts faithfully. Plaid designs were especially popular in Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln models of the 1950s, ‘60s, and even the ’70s – and you’ll find them here. SoffSeal, a company well-known and respected for its rubber products, also makes a replacement Trunk Mat for select American muscle cars from the '60s and '70s.

SoffSeal Trunk Mat
The SoffSeal Trunk Mat.

Depending on vehicle application, your trunk liner will contain cutouts for spare tires as well as flaps and extra pieces for other areas.

ACC Vinyl Replacement Cargo Mats
The ACC Vinyl Replacement Flooring Kit cargo mats.

If you’ve got a classic SUV from the 1950s-‘70s such, you already know they came with no-frills liners that covered the rear cargo floor and the area below the rear seats. For authentic-looking replacements that are basic and durable in nature, the Auto Custom Carpets Vinyl Replacement Flooring Kit specializes in these SUVs, as well as 1980s Isuzu Troopers, Mitsubishi Monteros, Toyota 4Runners, and even 1984-later Jeep Cherokees. The liner material used combines vinyl with elastomers to create a floor surface that’s tough and slightly shock absorbent. In the Product Options field, you can select versions of these mats available for the passenger or cargo areas.

Carpeting

During the 1970s, essex carpeting became more popular in automobiles. It’s slightly deeper pile, which means the individual nylon fibers are longer. Compared to traditional cut pile carpeting, essex is more plush to the touch and feels softer underneath your fingers.

OER Molded Replacement Cargo Mat
The OER molded Replacement Cargo Mat.

For select Chevy and Pontiac models from 1962-92, OER Replacement Cargo Mats are heavyweight, densely carpeted trunk liners that are molded to the contours of your vehicle. Thicker and more luxurious than most OEM trunk carpeting, these cut pile fibers look and feel great in show cars, or any vehicles. Because it’s so plush, this carpeting works especially well for creating stylish back-and-forth texture lines using a vacuum cleaner. In the Product Options field, you’ll see several color choices based on vehicle application.

Padded Backing

In the Product Options field for some offerings, you may be asked if you want your liner with or without “mass backing”. This is typically an additional layer of ethylene-vinyl polymer that’s soft and flexible. It serves as a barrier to absorb unwanted road and drivetrain noise from below, and it insulates the inside of the vehicle from changes in temperature.

ACC Essex Trunk Liners With/Without A Mass Backing Layer Of Padding.
Some molded trunk liners are available with or without a padded backing layer.

In the Product Options field for vehicles that were available with two fuel tanks instead of just one, you’ll see a choice of single or dual tanks. Once you make a selection, the liner you receive will be equipped with any cutouts or indentations necessary in order to conform to the contours of your specific vehicle’s floor surface.

If you’re interested in adding an extra layer of protection against wetness and stains for your new permanent molded trunk liner, we invite you to read our related article What Are The Advantages Of Using A Cargo Liner? This provided more details about removable cargo liners and mats that are designed to sit on top of your molded trunk liner.

In closing, we’re confident you’re going to like the looks of any of the molded trunk liners we sell. In fact, we wouldn’t be a bit surprised if you start finding reasons to open up your trunk lid just to get a glimpse more often. Small items that could easily be carried up front such as a duffle bag, purse, or fresh produce will be stowed in the back. Adding air pressure to your tires will now include the spare in the trunk every time – no more forgetting to open the lid and check. (If need be, you can always take a picture of the inside of your trunk for wallpaper on your cell phone!)

Be sure to let us know when you win that trophy because your car's trunk area performed so well in the judging!

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