1940 LaSalle Floor Mat (Revised)

[Bill Bickle 15098]

I am looking for a 1940 Cadillac LaSalle Rubber floor mat  for my 52 series  convertible Coupe.   Buick repros are not the same. Attached is a picture of the correct configuration of this mat. Clicking on the second attachment will show you a slightly different configuration of a 52 series for a convertible coupe (according to the Authenticity Manual).

[Barry M Wheeler #2189]

Bill, your car used a combination carpet molded to a rubber base. A Buick restoration was available years ago, but I have heard that it's not being produced any more. Contact the guy in Ohio that did the great 1939 convertible. He may be able to help. Just type in 1939 LaSalle convertible and it should get you to his posts and from there, his site. Or get in the Directory and look for a 1939 LaSalle convertible in the listings.

[Tom Boehm]

Barry, I think the guy you are referring to is Fred Zwick of TP tools. Bill are you certain that a 50 series mat will work in a 52 series? Those series were built on two very different GM bodies. Do not assume the mat is interchangeable.

[Steve Passmore]

Barry, I think the guy you are referring to is Fred Zwick of TP tools. Bill are you certain that a 50 series mat will work in a 52 series? Those series were built on two very different GM bodies. Do not assume the mat is interchangeable.

I think that's Fred Zwicker isn't it?

[Barry M Wheeler #2189]

Yes, Fred was the guy. And no, the Series 50 will NOT fit the Series 52. T thought Fred might have thoughts on how he obtained his correct carpeting.

[Fred Zwicker #23106]

I am the guy with a correct brown rubber floor mat that I purchased from Bob's Automobilia in 2007 or 2008, but heard that Bob's no longer stocks these. The mat that I ordered from Bob was an UNCUT version of a 1939 or possibly a 1940 Buick mat, brown rubber.  it had four indented places with smooth surface on the mat for hogs hair inserts, that is best described as "field mouse brown".  I would give Bob's Automobilia a call on this, as perhaps he has something closed.   www.bobsautomobilia.com or 805-434-2963.  There may be other sources for 1939-1940 Buicks, but it isn't going to be easy to locate.

Check my 1939 LaSalle restoration at www.fzoldcars@comcast.net for many pictures of the restoration.

Fred Zwicker

[Bob Hoffmann CLC#96]

Guys,
Before you go down the mouse brown floor mat path too far.... here's the real deal. I'm talking 40 & 41 only, NOT 39. And I'm talking conv. carpets only. And 50 & 52 series ARE different. The carpets are color keyed to the interior. There was red, black, green, blue & brown. The rubber section may have
complimented the carpet color in some cases but not all.  Have fun!
Bob

[Bill Bickle 15098]

This has been interesting.  Who knows; I may find one yet. Thanks for the excellent pictures Fred. 

[Fred Zwicker #23106]

In closely checking the picture that I posted earlier, note that this picture was taken prior to gluing the carpet to the rubber mat.  I can always take more pictures if needed, but you probably get the idea. Dealing with an uncut rubber mat is not easy and if I had to do it again, I would set the rubber mat outside in the sun before placing it inside the car, hoping that the heated mat would lie down better. I sure wish that Bob's Automobilia would again sell this mat, as I have had others call or email me regarding this and wish I could be of more help.

I have a LOT of information on my 1939 LaSalle Convertible restoration at www.fzoldcars.com and other pictures of the same car can be seen at www.tipcars.us

I am presently in process of restoring a 1940 Cadillac Series 75 Fleetwood 4dr. convertible, and according to the authenticity manual on that car, a rubber mat was not used, which makes it a lot easier to manage.  It calls for sort of a cut pile mohair carpet, and I have been checking with Bill Hirsch and Lebaron Bonney for a correct color match, without much success. Fortunately the existing carpet from an older restoration is in excellent condition and unless I can find something closer to the original, I will probably stay with that as it goes well with the tan leather interior.  See attached picture.

Fred