lajs57
Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2005
Posts: 326
Location: New Hampshire
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 Posted: Sun Dec 09, 2018 4:40 pm Post subject: Sixties (and early seventies) Karmann Ghia Floor Mats |
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RUBBER FLOOR MATS
At the end of the LOWLIGHT era, in August 1st of 1959, the ALL rubber 8 pieces mat set, that included the Bulkhead mat, the left and right Sill mats, the Tunnel mat and the 4 Floor mats, was replaced by a combination of carpet and a 4 pieces rubber FLOOR MATS set.
The part numbers for the 4 Floor Mats remained the same until 1971!
In those 12 years VW introduced 16 different colours!
Here is a detailed document showing Part Numbers, Introduction Dates & correct Upholstery combinations: (Thank you Cyril!  )
As many of you are aware, with the amazing Ghia Community support, I started LOW LIGHT WERKS to develop the manufacturing process to reproduce the 8 rubber pieces. The biggest challenge was to reproduce the Front BULKHEAD MAT!
Today more than 20 guys in 10 different countries have one in their hands! And more are coming every week!
The project was a lot more complex than I ever expected, it took a lot more time and effort that I had planned for and it cost a lot more that I forecast!
The history of the related The Samba forum topic started over 15 years ago, on May 2003! Here is the link:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=155849
As that topic was Low Light exclusive, I am starting this new topic that covers the Floor Mats for Karmann Ghias, starting in the Model 1960 (official begging is in August 1st, 1959) until the Model 1971.
It was mentioned that after that year, no more rubber mats were included with the cars, until the End of Production 1974 Model. I don't know for sure. If any of you has additional information from 71 to 74, please share that with us.
During the development of the Low Light project, many members asked that if the floor mats would be available for later years. Well, the answer is YES!
The experience I gained and a production line running, makes this new project implementation plan simpler and with a quick turn around!
One thing I learned, is that the reproduction parts are as good as the models from where the molds are made. If the model has any minute imperfection, it will show in the reproduced part!
So, before commitment to offer the later years FLOOR MATS, I have been searching for a nice set of mats. After few months, the search is over, I got a set that is almost perfect!
The mats were stored rolled. in this picture they are not totally flat, as the picture was taken right after they were unpacked. But now they are flat and beautiful!
It took me almost 6 months to have a practical manufacturing production line. Now I can produce a complete 8 pieces Low Light set in one day, as the mold curing time is 16 hours. The good news is that we can start production of the new mats right away, after making the molds, as I can use the same technique and production line, while the other daily set is curing!
Our good friend Cyril, from France, compiled the information I included. I was surprised to learn that in 12 years, 16 different colours were brought out by VW!
ALL Colours will be available in the store. The challenge is going to be able to match the colour options spot on. I have some pictures and references that give a close idea of the colour options, but the best way to be spot on, is to have an original sample.
Here is a table relating colors and years:
MODEL YEAR* COLORS
1960-1962 Rock Gray/Satin Blue/Malachite Green/Olive/Gold
1963-1964 Gray Black
1965 Anthracite
1966 Lava/Rust/Ultra Blue/Scarlet/Almond Beige
1967 Lava/Dark Brown/Clematis
1968-70** Lava/Dark Brown
1971*** Anthracite/Leather Beige/Palsander
* MODEL YEAR ends on July 31st of MODEL YEAR and start's In August 1st of the presiding MODEL YEAR
** Part Numbers Last Letter changed
*** Part Numbers Last Letter changed again
While a launching plan is set and the molds are designed and made, I propose to start a list of COLOR SAMPLES, to provide SPOT COLOR reproductions!
If you have a mat (even a piece will do the job!) that can be donated or borrowed, please send me a PM (Private Message) and I will email you the shipping labels needed! If you need it back, I'll return it to you after the Professional COLOUR MATCHING is done!
As a token, I'll send you KARMANN KEY FOB as soon as they are available!
(It took time to locate the same snap bottom design the original had. Key Fobs are been made as we speak, I hope to have the first batch before I go to Mexico!)
I will update this COLOUR CHART as frequently as needed, until all colours are matched. Initially, COLOURS will be set from pictures and available documents.
If you are interested in owning a NEW 60's KARMANN GHIA MATS set, please start participating in this forum!
I will start a campaign to benefit Founder Members! The more Founder Members, the better the special price will be!
So, let's start!
Luis
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http://www.lowlightwerks.com |
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