Cargo liners protect your car and the contents inside. They are especially useful when transporting heavy or sharp equipment, lumber or paint that can easily damage a car's interior. Cargo liners are also useful for transporting pets. Creating a cargo liner is simple, requiring only a few supplies and tools. Customize the liner to fit your specific uses and the dimensions of your car. This cargo liner can be made from sturdy plastic mats or carpet, and extends up the back of the rear seats to protect the value of your car for many years.
Measure the car's cargo area carefully. Determine the length and width of the cargo's floor area. Measure the width and height of the back seats. Draw two-dimensional diagrams of the cargo's floor and back seats, including each measurement.
Select the material that best suits your needs, and purchase enough to cover the measured area. Sturdy plastic is the ideal material for protecting a cargo against dirty, greasy and sharp objects, sand and snow. This type of cargo lining can be easily cleaned with water and soap. Carpet cargo lining provides stability when transporting groceries, lumber and smaller objects, and comfortably cushions pets. Carpets can also be easily cleaned and vacuumed.
Consider also purchasing thin padding if you are using carpet. This provides additional cushioning and is ideal for pets, animals and fragile objects. Consider purchasing carpet with an attached liner. Thin padding is best and protects the cargo area well.
Cut the carpet, padding or plastic to the correct dimensions for the cargo floor. Extend the length of the back seat liner 1 inch, and cut according to these dimensions. If using carpet for the liner, seal the edges with carpet seaming tape to prevent fraying.
Place the cargo "floor" piece into the car in the correct position. If necessary, trim to improve the fit. Remove it from the car and cut a piece of non-stick mat that is 2 inches shorter than the liner on all sides. Place the mat on the car floor and cover with the floor liner.
Create liners for the back seats that can be easily removed. Place a bungee cord around the seat, between the seat and neck cushion. Measure the distance between the two J hooks; the seat lining will hang from these hooks. Using a hammer and nail, punch holes into the liner according to this measurement. Padding is not required for the back seat liners.
Connect back seat liners to the floor liner with Super Glue with the floor liner on top. The back seat liner should extend about 1 inch underneath the floor liner. Follow the Super Glue manufacturer's directions to securely affix the two liners.
Once the Super Glue has dried adequately, place the entire cargo liner into car. Clean it often and use it for many years.
