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DIY Dash mat for under $20

May 25, 2013, 10:04:20 pm

I've had "sew dash mat" on the annual coach list for several years now.  Given "da boyz" like to hang on the dash, it gets rather grubby. 

Web research kept leading me to the Covers by Josie, but I couldn't justify the expense.  I did find that they use Foss indoor/outdoor carpet for their dash mats, and Home Depot carries 6' by 8' pieces in tan and in grey.

I made a pattern of the desired shape using paper and tape (and a pencil and scissors).  The carpet cut fairly easily with good scissors.  The 8' length of the rug is 3-4 inches shorter than needed, so I left the driver's side short and will patch in with a small piece of carpet and Gorilla tape on the back side of the seam.  The carpet is very light, but seems reasonably "grippy" and flat so I shouldn't need to add nonskid backing.  I was also able to get 2 mats out of a single <$18 rug.  I made one solid and one with openings for the dash vents.  Right now, I'm undecided about binding the edges - it might look more professional, but the rug is made so it doesn't unravel/fray even when cut, so it would be purely for cosmetic reasons.

Not bad for less than $10 apiece.

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Re: DIY Dash mat for under $20

Reply #1 – May 25, 2013, 10:29:25 pm

Thanks for that one Michelle. I have been wanting to do just that myself. I will have to make a trip to the store and get some carpet.

Mark

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Reply #2 – May 25, 2013, 10:31:41 pm

That's a nice piece of work there. 

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Reply #3 – May 25, 2013, 10:39:23 pm

Looks real nice Michelle.

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Reply #4 – May 25, 2013, 10:40:08 pm

Very nice!!  As a sunscreen when we are parked (or even going down the road) I have been using pieces of a "chiffon" type material found in the remnant bin at Walmart for about 3 bucks.  It was about 45" wide and about 6' long ... so I cut it lengthwise and artfully arrange the two pieces in the dash just to keep the sun off the vinyl.  Your solution is MUCH better.  My new project!!

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Reply #5 – May 26, 2013, 05:22:42 am

Where do we order and can I pick ours up, in tan please, on June 5 when we are in coppell? 

Looks great!  I want one!  And I suspect you have two as in the summer you don't need the vents so the posse doesn't loose their toys down the vents? 

Nice job!

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Reply #6 – May 26, 2013, 07:59:56 am

Nice job

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Reply #7 – May 26, 2013, 08:55:29 am

Very nice Michelle.  It's on the list.

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Reply #8 – June 02, 2013, 02:37:29 pm

Thanks for the great idea.  Just finished ours and put everything back.  Now we dont have to be concerned that the cat will ruin the dash.  I cut a flap for the air vent just in case it is needed.  Once again thank you for sharing.

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Reply #9 – June 02, 2013, 03:01:26 pm

A fold! We have one too!

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Reply #10 – July 04, 2013, 01:54:40 pm

Michelle,
  I bought my material today. Now I just need to make the template and I will be in business.
Mark

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Reply #11 – July 06, 2013, 11:27:37 pm

It looks great. Virtual Karma to you Michelle.

Mark

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Reply #12 – July 27, 2013, 02:53:51 pm

Nice job everybody....looks like I have another project on my list.

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Reply #13 – July 27, 2013, 07:50:09 pm

Michelle,

Are you taking orders? Discounts for members?

Very nice!

Pierce

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Reply #14 – July 29, 2013, 04:06:19 pm

Michelle,

Thanks for the great info on the dash mat.  I've made one for us but then took the dash all apart so I can't post a picture.  I've found a bunch of other uses for the carpet and will post pictures as I make progress.

Rich

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