After 3 weekends of trial-&-errors, finally got the mats done. First, the back-ground.
This is what I want : A translucent mat, that has spikes on the bottom which helps it sit firmly on the carpet without moving. Sufficiently thick & flexible. Want un-cut sheets so I can cut it to get a snug-fit, that will not allow mud / pebbles /debris to go to the carpet below.
The Mahindra dealers here are providing this type of mats in their vehicles : Logan, Bolero etc. Have been searching for this, but no luck yet. JC Road, other places, through Satya etc, .. but the hunt is still on.
Getting the currently available set from the Mahindra dealers is not an option becuase it will already be cut to fit Mahindra vehicles. I am looking for this for use in the Sumo also. The people at these dealerships are not giving any information about its sourcing.
Saturday I did find a roll of translucent mat at Konark in Jayanagar. But this is flat on one side, and has ribs along the length of the mat on the other. Size is 1.2m x 1.5m, for about 950/-. Chinese make. Wasnt good enough, and I had already bought the ones I have put in now.
But this is what I found.
Stuff that @
JK has used in his Safari. Easy to cut & it also settles on the contours below it easily. But I find this type of mat to be good only for dry dirt / mud / dust. Anything other than that - like with water during rains or anything moist at other times, will be a pain to clean.
What I have now used is a thick vinyl mat, approx 2mm thick, retailing at about 450/- a meter, for a 6' 6" panna.
I had cut the front set more than a week back, and bounced it off Benny. He pointed out the bad fit at the edges (along the length) .. it became a very helpful guideline as I went about the rear mat - which was much more complex to work on than the front ones.
And the end result : a custom-cut, absoulte snug-fit color coordinated mat.

Did take some patience to sit & finish this. But happy the way the rear mat has turned out. Dont be surprised if re-do the front mats.
Approx cost of raw materials : 600/-
Tools used : mainly a scissors, blade & pen to mark on the mat.
Used the Sumo's damaged mat to get a rough shape of the mat. And some news paper to get the templates
Boot mat is yet to be cut - have a black mat for that, which I will be using for the Ikon boot & the Sumo. Pics of that later.
Quote:
AirWind : He meant Accent CRDi ..
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@
Airwind, thanks. Have got it corrected.
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benbsb29 : Get the mud flaps, Parwath. |
Benny, they are lined up. The stock / OE flaps are just half (measures). Doesnt do much to prevent the water splashing on the body/doors - it needs to be longer to be effective. Did pick up a pair of 'Sparco' stamped stiff flaps, but had a re-think and will try a softer set like I have used on the Sumo.