TheSamba.com :: View topic - DIY Swiss Cheese Mats

Tue Feb 02, 2016 1:09 pm

I've been able to find multiple posts showing how other members have made their own sets of "swiss cheese" mats using the industrial mat material that is available at Lowes, Home Depot, Rural King, etc. however I cannot seem to find any post on this topic that includes dimensions or patterns. Can someone either direct me to a place where I can find these details or be willing to post some detailed measurements? I know that I can create my own patterns with paper or cardboard but I'd rather not "reinvent the wheel" since I'm certain that my pans are the same size as everyone else's.

Thanks...

Tue Feb 02, 2016 4:03 pm

I used some coco-mats as a template for mine

Tue Feb 02, 2016 8:46 pm

I could trace mine out onto paper and send them for a template... If that'll help you. Or take measurements that'll get you close enough, then you can fine trim yours till they fit.... Of course this could be done just as easy on your own......

I'm home on medical "light duty", have time and willing to help!

Lemme know.... :wink:

wbailey2112 wrote: I've been able to find multiple posts showing how other members have made their own sets of "swiss cheese" mats using the industrial mat material that is available at Lowes, Home Depot, Rural King, etc. however I cannot seem to find any post on this topic that includes dimensions or patterns. Can someone either direct me to a place where I can find these details or be willing to post some detailed measurements? I know that I can create my own patterns with paper or cardboard but I'd rather not "reinvent the wheel" since I'm certain that my pans are the same size as everyone else's.

Thanks...

Wed Feb 03, 2016 5:54 am

Thanks for the quick replies. Unfortunately my Thing came with no mats at all so I have nothing to use as a pattern. I'm using an old universal set of mats that I had laying around the garage that I trimmed a bit to fit as a temporary solution. I'm trying to justify spending nearly $200 on a set from TTS or another source so that's why I'm thinking about going the DIY route that I've seen here on the forum.

If you could post some sketches with dimensions that might suffice. Traced patterns would be even better if you're up for doing that. Do you have an "original" set of swiss cheeses mats that you'll be using for the dimensions/patterns or did you take this same approach and make your own?

Wed Feb 03, 2016 5:59 am

My mats aren't original, but they are 30+ hrs old and made off of the originals.
I'll sketch some out for ya and see if that works!

I'm all about using DIY methods, unless you require factory "correct", as some folks like to do. No reason to spend that kinda cash for a driver Thing!

I'll see what I can get together for you today, once the rains slow down.

Wed Feb 03, 2016 10:22 am

wbailey2112 wrote: Unfortunately my Thing came with no mats at all so I have nothing to use as a pattern.

Nothing to use as a pattern? What about the existing floor pan? I would start with a scissor and some brown paper bags (or any paper for that matter), cut to fit the 4 sections of floor pan. Then, once you are happy with that "fit", you can go from there on your cuts for the industrial mat material. If you are not happy with the paper template and want to go a step further, trace the paper diagram onto some card board and you can use a razor cutter and make a stiffer template for the final "fit" before cutting into the industrial mat material.

Thu Feb 04, 2016 1:53 pm

These should get you started.. The fine trimming will be up to your judgment..

For this, I used the following abbreviations..
F= forward edge
R= rearward edge
T= tunnel edge
O= outer edge.
I Used the passenger side mats, as the drivers side was stuffed up against the motorcycles and inaccessible...
Front mat:
F= 8 3/8" (from tunnel straight across to start of curve at wheel well)
T= 28 3/8"
R= 22 1/8"
O= 14 1/8" (from outer rear corner forward to start of curve.

Rear mat:
F= 13 18/" (this is narrower than R, due to fitting between seat rails)
T= 21 3/8" (overall length)
R= 17 3/8"
O= 13 1/4" (from outer rear corner to cut in for rear edge of seat rail. There is an equivalent cut in on T edge for inner seat rail.)

Thu Feb 04, 2016 8:40 pm

Thanks GIJoe for the photos and the dimensions. This should get me off to a good start.

Thu Feb 04, 2016 11:26 pm

I may make a set too, thanks for the pics and dimensions......

Thu Feb 04, 2016 11:43 pm

Glad to help!! 😉

Sat Feb 06, 2016 8:41 pm

Thanks to GI Joe's photos with dimensions and to Rural King I was able to make my DIY mats this morning for a total cost of about $40.

The mats that I used came from Rural King. A 3' x 5' mat costs $19.99 and it took two mats to do the front, back and I also made a small mat for up in the well in the front for my side curtains to sit on as another Samba member had shown a while back.

http://www.ruralking.com/grip-tools-industrial-mat-3-x-5-54126.html

Speaking of side curtains...last fall I made some DIY side curtain storage "sleeves" out of two of $5 40" x 72" padded moving blankets that I purchased at Harbor Freight. Folded each accordion style lengthwise and sewed the sides so that each blanket when folded in half had two pockets to hold two side curtains.

http://www.harborfreight.com/40-in-x-72-in-moving-blanket-69504.html

Sun Feb 07, 2016 6:50 am

Let's see the finished product in situ!

Mon Feb 08, 2016 9:09 am

Here you go GI Joe...thanks again for your help.

I'll try to take a few shots of my side curtain sleeves and post them either tonight or tomorrow.

Mon Feb 08, 2016 3:00 pm

Those came out great! And cost effective too!

Mon Feb 08, 2016 4:39 pm

Here's the side curtain sleeves/bags that I made out of a couple Harbor Freight moving blankets.

Wed Feb 10, 2016 10:32 pm

Here is my OG set. I'm more then willing to answer any questions anyone may have. The spots are dirt that hasn't been removed, been sitting in a box for a while.. Just an FYI.. I'll answer this one.. No they are not for sale lol.