Quick Bed Mat Mod (Pics)

I am not sure if this has been covered before but here is a quick and easy bed mat mod. I was worried about someone possibly stealing my bed mat or it possibly flying out so I drilled a hole in the front of the mat where the factory center drain hole is. I then used stainless steel hardware to bolt it down. Sorry in advance for the poor pics.

What you need:


Wingnut under truck:


Finished top picture:


Ta Da, all done:

 

Thanks

 

Thanks for sharing this good idea. I think I would use a nylock nut down below, as they don't require pressure to stay in place.

 

That might be a good idea too. I used the wingnut with a rubber washer. The rubber washer adds friction, reduces vibration, and keeps the wingnut in place. It can also be easily removed if you want to take the bed mat out.

 

Added it to the TOC for Cheap/Free mod thread.

 

Cool thanks

 

You do not have to worry about the bed mats flying out, I have had them in my last three trucks and have never even had one even attempt to fly out.

As far as stealing them there is not much of a way to stop a thief. One good pull and the rubber will tear where the bolt is or someone can just cut out a V where the bolt is.

I don't mean to be negative, just truthful.

 

They could cut the mat, that's true.... But it's not going to just rip... It's like a tire with belts and threads strengthening it. Have you tried tearing or cutting one? I cut notches in mine for extra D-rings so I know how strong it is.

It would keep the casual thief from walking off with it. But someone serious would cut it, or take a gander underneath to see what the bolt was. Then see the wing nut, and off it would come.

 

nice mod man!! great idea!

 

Yeah, it is really hard to stop the determined theif, I don't argue that fact. But it would stop/deter the common theif looking for a quick grab and go. I think (hope) most people would see that it is bolted down and look else where.

Thanks Don.

 

Exactly, most thefts of small things like bed mats are just crimes of opportunity. If it's easy, take it, if not, go buy your own yknow lol

 

Thanks for the mod. I just ordered the Toyota Tacoma mat and will do exactly that.

It's these little things that make a difference.

 

Amen Brother. Attention to detail and the little things always make the difference. Lets see some pics!

 

Thiefs are opportunistic. That bolt just may be enough to make him steal the next guys mat that isn't bolted down. Good mod.

 

Where it the right place to purchase the mat? Free shipping offer? Any routine treatments required for the mat?

 

You will have to shop around. I found the best internet price I could and then called local dealerships to see if they could match it. My dealer eventually did. No maintenance required. TRD Parts4U will match prices. They usually price their stuff very competitively.

http://trdparts4u.com/PD-PT580-35050-SB.aspx?MakeID=1

Hope this helps.

 

Since joining recently I have seen 2 mods that interest me: (1) add a bed mat and secure it with a bolt/wing nut; (2) add additional D-rings. Today I did both in 1 mod. I cut holes in my new bed mat (generic, not Tacoma) and added 2 D-rings to 2 existing bed liner bolts. Instead of cutting a 2-3 inch square out for the D-rings, I made a hole big enough for the bed liner bolt, built up from below teh bed mat with additional washers, and attached the D-rings on top of the bed mat. I then tightened the bed liner bolts, leaving the D-rings on top of the mat. The D-ring bed liner bolts are snug enough and there are 4 others holding the liner. This way the D-rings provide security for the mat also.

--dennis, Auburn, AL

 

very nice mod!

 

Did you have to drill a hole in the bed? On my '09 the center drain hole looks quite small?