some mods are worth more than others - pre-2018 passenger mats

There is someone out there that I need to credit. I WILL find you.

Yaaasss:





I've done these many times on riding gear, so it was in my wheelhouse since I wasn't exactly feeling the Eagle Claws and such. I don't know why, but snaps gelled with me.

If anyone else goes down this rabbit hole, use a 10mm socket and vicegrips to apply pressure before you go hammering on the anvil for the carpet side. It is on the edge of being too thick for typical 'heavy duty' snaps.

 

This looks simple enough, but do you mind detailing a bit more what you used and how you did it? Im interested

 

I did the exact same thing. Find some black snaps on Amazon, they come with the installation tools. Pull back the plastic edge between the carpet and door and you can go under the carpet to install, very easy, and very effective. I only used 2 snaps and have no issues.

This is what I used;

15 Completed Sets Black Shinny 15mm Snap Fasteners Poppers Press Studs Sewing Buttons with Die Punch Tools Sets Kit For Clothing , leather craft , jackets , bags

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017K4ZJNQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_.E38BbSK4VD5W

 

I got the mat where I wanted it and held it in place while I removed the trim. Door trim first, then the kick panel. You need a small, long screwdriver to disengage the carpet clip.

I would have been happier if I had something under the carpet for the bit to hit, but that would have caused the holes to misalign.

I used a 1/8in drill bit to make the matching holes in both the mat and carpet. There is thick padding underneath, so if you are careful, you won't nick the cab.

Once you get through the carpet, ease the drill out as you will pick up a small wad of carpet and pad on the tip.

I used a phenolic block under the holes to help set the snaps. Like I said in the OP, I also used a 10mm socket with vice grips to push down as much as possible while setting the snap. I found this to be important in the past.

That was the hard part. The snaps on the mat are a walk in the park by comparison. As a warning, I did get a few scratches as there is both sharp metal and ends of staples under there in some spots. No pain / no gain, right? Might as well leave a DNA sample here and there?

I used the same bit to ream and clean up the holes in the mat.

From there, just put the trim back on and enjoy.

I think it might have been your mod that I saw before? If so, thanks a ton!

 

I do love Amazon, but just about any fabric store has snaps kit also.

I wish they had longer shanks for thicker material like our carpet or leather, but they are not common or easy to find.

 

Nice you can also get some Weather Tech or Husky they fit edge to edge and don’t move

 

I’m definitely looking into that also, but this is $10 vs $150 for new weathertechs

 

Exactly. The mats came with my Taco. For me, I don't see the need the spend more here.

 

I was wondering that, I don’t remember anyone else posting doing it this way, but I don’t remember posting that I did either, but we use these type of snaps (but chrome) on the boats all the time and they work great.
You won’t be disappointed.

 

I'm kind of remembering your avatar pic, but I never had the best memory either. Haha!

That is the other thing, once you set a few snaps, you find out how easy it is and don't mind redoing them down the road or searching for places to install more snaps or grommets.

Do you have a source for SS ones? Folks might like those, although I have never had one of these basic ones corrode on my riding gear. They seem to be non-ferrous?

 

Actually looks like what I have are nickel plated brass. I guess I just assumed they were SS. I had to order the black ones though from Amazon since I didn’t want the chrome buttons on the floor mats.

 

Same here. Black goes with most of my needs.

 

I told you that my memory is shaky! It was @Wengel21 :
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/new-2018-problem.548770/page-15#post-18094440

Thank you, sir!

 

No problem, sorry I never did a write up, I meant to do it but l lost all my photos and figured it wasn't too hard to figure out from the photo looks nice and clean! Good Job

 

BTW Home Depot or Joannes sells the snaps. If the wifes mad at you for doing mods on the tacoma, take her with you to joannas it might calm the fires

 

Thanks! No worries. I'm just happy that you connected the two ideas.

Yup! I don't mind going to fabric stores with the fam, just that they are in there forever. Never would they spend that long with me in CycleGear or Harbor Freight. Ha!

 

I used VW floor mat clips, quick easy and simple. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4x-VW-Fl...itm=391607099146&_trksid=p2047675.c100623.m-1

 

Yep. I thought about those many times but was not a fan.

I don't like the screw part that might, or might not, cause corrosion down the road.

The snaps are flush on the bottom, so no worries ever.

Snaps are simple to me also.

 

Get out there and do some driving! Here's mine after it failed. MT work boot wear you'll find yourself in the same situation eventually. Do yourself a favor and just replace both now.

 

carpet and padding are much thicker then the screw portion of the base. 20 minute job and no carpet pulling involved.