I never did figure that out when I tried one several years ago so I slit it by the legs. That said, I would recommend against the mat. I tried one years ago for only a couple seasons. They trap condensation and any water that gets into the trunk and allow rust to build.
If you do use a mat, remove the shakers install the mat and re-install the shakers. I have a mat in my '69 with no moisture problems but I do check under it often to make sure there is no problem.
I also have the mat run under the shakers like Hank said.
No moisture or rust issues with mine. But mine does not see rain either...
I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure. I feel like I am diagonally parked in a parallel universe. 1968 400 convertible (Scarlet) 1976 T/A - 455 LE (No Burt) 1976 T/A New baby, starting full restoration. 1968 350 - 4 speed 'vert - 400 clone (the Beast!) 1968 350 convertible - Wife's car now- 400 clone (Aleutian Blue) (Blue Angel) 2008 Durango - DD 2008 GXP - New one from NH is AWESOME! 2017 Durango Citadel - Modern is nice! HEMI is amazing! 1998 Silverado Z71 - Father-daughter project 1968 400 coupe - R/A clone (Blue Pearl) (sold) 1967 326 convertible - Sold 1980 T/A SE Bandit - Sold
I cut around shakers AND made cuts to fit around the "legs" at tail lights....mine does get moisture under it once in awhile...(must bu the humidity in the air)...but i do lift it up off and on wipe it out and leave the mat up on something to breathe under...
I looked under my mat once and about freaked out. It was a bright orange, like a rust dust. Scrubbed it with a scratch pad and resprayed trunk. I did replace seal again. And tossed the mat.
The trunk floor is original and had a couple minor spots of peeling. I sanded those areas, primed and used three cans of splatter, two cans of clear coat on the entire trunk. This car will see no weather and is in the NE with two months of occasional humidity. I'll make sure I check under it.
I think if it made it through the last 45 years it will weather the next 45.
I don't think I'll rush into cutting them around the shakers or unbolting the shakers at this point.
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