S55's floor mats

[DEFYANT]

I have been modding my car along the lines of the 2002 concept Marauder. Many of you have seen my taillights w/ the S55 badge. During MVIII, I had an oportunity to speak with the designer and father of the Marauder, Steve Babcock.

I had mentioned the plans I had in the future, which included custom floor mats to replicate the ones seen in the S55. I remember the look that came over Steves face as he said:

(paraphrasing here)
"I think that car has been scheduled to be dismantled. Let me check around and see what I can find."

We exchanged contact info and enjoyed the rest of MVIII.

Well, after several emails back and forth Steve located the now scrapped concept car and rescued the floor mats for me.

Today I got a package in the mail from Steve Babcock. Inside the box is the used (in better condition then mine) 4 floor mats from the origingal concept Marauder. :eek: :D :banana:

I plan to attend the car shows a little more next year, and these will fit nicely. These will be used for the shows only.

Picture of the mats in the concept:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/2/6/4/4/s55_interior.jpg

I will be painting the red strip on the dash also. It is very bold in this picture. I will be doing something a little more subtle. My goal is as it was:

"If you didn't know better, you would think it came that way from Ford."

Thanks again Steve!

[Marauder2005]

AWSOME!! I want that steering wheel so, so, so, so, bad. Post some pics

when your done, Im interested in that "red stripe" look. Its hard to find

that color...

[DEFYANT]

AWSOME!! I want that steering wheel so, so, so, so, bad. Post some pics

when your done, Im interested in that "red stripe" look. Its hard to find

that color...

Thanks, getting that red color right is the only thing holding me up right now.

Lemme see about some pics....:cool:

[Hotrauder]

Charlie, you are the man. :bows: Thanks for the great shot and the ideas for more S-55 projects. Please post pics and how to's as you progress. I really really like the mods you have inspired in my car and hope to continue, as you know. Thanka again. Dennis:)

[DEFYANT]

Here is a quick shot of the mat in the car.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/2/6/4/4/DCP_1638.JPG


In chef tone voice:

I think is needs alil more red in there...

[DefyantExWife]

...........

[Ryans PI]

That's pretty sweet. Congrats! Any idea what happened to the rest of the concept Marauder?

[DEFYANT]

That's pretty sweet. Congrats! Any idea what happened to the rest of the concept Marauder?



It is history. According to Steve Babcock: "It had been sent to be scrapped. Most parts were taken off the car."

A sad end for a cool car.

[Bowman9]

That was very cool of Steve to sent them to you :cool4:

In your quest to make it more S55 like, be sure to tells when and where you get your brushed metal trim rings for the speedo, tach, and fuel/temp gauges. I would really dig that mod.

[Black 04]

Here is a quick shot of the mat in the car.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/2/6/4/4/DCP_1638.JPG


In chef tone voice:

I think is needs alil more red in there...


That is awsome, what a great Christmas gift from Steve. Thanks for posting the pictures.:beer:

[DEFYANT]

where you get your brushed metal trim rings for the speedo, tach, and fuel/temp gauges. I would really dig that mod.

Yeah, I'd love that mod too. That may be a mod that will have to be done by you. I doubt they were real brushed aluminum since that would have been real expensive on a concept car.

[twolow]

Your wires are showing! :eek:


Here is a quick shot of the mat in the car.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/2/6/4/4/DCP_1638.JPG


In chef tone voice:

I think is needs alil more red in there...

[MarauderMarc]

Your wires are showing! :eek:

What are you doing looking down there?!?!?!

Im telling Lisa!!!!!

[DEFYANT]

Your wires are showing! :eek:

Opps :D Guess that is the exhibitionist in me :o

[Petrograde]

wow,.. sweet man! that was really cool of Mr. B. to sqaure you away like that!

I wanna do my seats like that,... in blue

[Ryans PI]

It is history. According to Steve Babcock: "It had been sent to be scrapped. Most parts were taken off the car."

A sad end for a cool car.

Sad indeed.

It would be pretty sweet if you could get the steering wheel too.

[Gre8one7]

wow! i really like the red trim and seats....i should look into doing this :p.

[BIGGDOGG]

CAR Motorsports is prepared to do a group purchase on Custom Embroidered MARAUDER Floor Mats featuring "S55" Emblem Embroidery. You will have a full line of Color Options available both in the Floor Mats, the Surging around the edge, and the S55 Embroidery. You design your custom Floor Mats. Take a look on our website and at the links below to see examples of our products for the Corvette...CTS-V...Pontiac GTO...Trans Am guys. They design their own floor mats and so can you. Just let me know the number of folks that are interested and we will get you the appropriate pricing. Color samples will be sent on request.

http://www.carmotorsports.com/cadillacfm2.htm

http://www.carmotorsports.com/chevroletfm2.htm

http://www.carmotorsports.com/pontiacfm2.htm

http://www.carmotorsports.com/cargomats_corvette.htm

Rich
CAR Motorsports

[Hotrauder]

Rich, When you guys finally get it in gear you ROCK! Lets get the balloon in the air on this project and start getting the other Marauder gear up on your site so we can click and order. Way to go. Dennis:D

[DEFYANT]

That is a great idea Rich.

I had custom mats for my ole Cobra Mustang.

Picture:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y193/Defyant/Inside.jpg

They "looked" good. That was it. They used some cheepo mats that never stayed put and wore thin very quickly. I used them for the shows mostly, but for what I paid, they should have been higher quality.

I hope your product is better than your competitors pictured above.

[BIGGDOGG]

That is a great idea Rich.

I had custom mats for my ole Cobra Mustang.

Picture:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y193/Defyant/Inside.jpg

They "looked" good. That was it. They used some cheepo mats that never stayed put and wore thin very quickly. I used them for the shows mostly, but for what I paid, they should have been higher quality.

I hope your product is better than your competitors pictured above.

We, CAR Motorsports invite you to read up on our Custom Floor Mats at the link below. These really are the finest Custom Floor Mats you can buy.

Our mats long list of features include:
<!--mstheme--><!--msthemelist--><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><!--msthemelist--><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=baseline width=42></TD><TD vAlign=top width="100%"><!--mstheme--><!--mstheme--><!--msthemelist--></TD></TR><!--msthemelist--><TR><TD vAlign=baseline width=42>http://www.carmotorsports.com/_themes/modular/modbul1.gif</TD><TD vAlign=top width="100%"><!--mstheme-->Available in wide range of colors and weaves. <!--mstheme--><!--msthemelist--></TD></TR><!--msthemelist--><TR><TD vAlign=baseline width=42>http://www.carmotorsports.com/_themes/modular/modbul1.gif</TD><TD vAlign=top width="100%"><!--mstheme-->Dupont Tuflon yarn that is Mildew proof and Washable with a little
soap and water. <!--mstheme--><!--msthemelist-->
</TD></TR><!--msthemelist--><TR><TD vAlign=baseline width=42>http://www.carmotorsports.com/_themes/modular/modbul1.gif</TD><TD vAlign=top width="100%"><!--mstheme-->A patented DOUBLE tufted HIDDEN 8” heel pad built into the mat and
super resistant eliminating the need for ugly, slippery, tacked-on vinyl
heel pads. <!--mstheme--><!--msthemelist-->
</TD></TR><!--msthemelist--><TR><TD vAlign=baseline width=42>http://www.carmotorsports.com/_themes/modular/modbul1.gif</TD><TD vAlign=top width="100%"><!--mstheme-->Wound threaded surging (also known as trimming or edging) around the
edges of the mat that is an exact color match to the mat color. <!--mstheme--><!--msthemelist-->
</TD></TR><!--msthemelist--><TR><TD vAlign=baseline width=42>http://www.carmotorsports.com/_themes/modular/modbul1.gif</TD><TD vAlign=top width="100%"><!--mstheme-->Beautiful, detailed custom embroidery work included in the price of
the mats (GM MODELS ONLY.) <!--mstheme--><!--msthemelist-->
</TD></TR><!--msthemelist--><TR><TD vAlign=baseline width=42>http://www.carmotorsports.com/_themes/modular/modbul1.gif</TD><TD vAlign=top width="100%"><!--mstheme-->Custom Embroidered Script/Sequence numbering available ($30 extra
charge). <!--mstheme--><!--msthemelist-->
</TD></TR><!--msthemelist--><TR><TD vAlign=baseline width=42></TD><TD vAlign=top width="100%"><!--mstheme--><!--mstheme--><!--msthemelist--></TD></TR><!--msthemelist--><TR><TD vAlign=baseline width=42>http://www.carmotorsports.com/_themes/modular/modbul1.gif</TD><TD vAlign=top width="100%"><!--mstheme-->Rear mats feature an extension that fits UNDERNEATH the front seats
to provide additional protection of your factory carpet. <!--mstheme--><!--msthemelist-->
</TD></TR><!--msthemelist--><TR><TD vAlign=baseline width=42>http://www.carmotorsports.com/_themes/modular/modbul1.gif</TD><TD vAlign=top width="100%"><!--mstheme-->Patented NON-SLIP Multi-Layered Cushion Grip foam back that will not
slip or slide and WILL NOT poke holes in your factory carpet like mats
with the rubber prongs. (Rubber Nib backing also available at no
cost). <!--mstheme--><!--msthemelist-->
</TD></TR><!--msthemelist--><TR><TD vAlign=baseline width=42>http://www.carmotorsports.com/_themes/modular/modbul1.gif</TD><TD vAlign=top width="100%"><!--mstheme-->Heavy Weight construction that is more than double the weight of your
original factory mats. <!--mstheme--><!--msthemelist-->
</TD></TR><!--msthemelist--></TBODY></TABLE><!--mstheme-->
Lifetime Workmanship Warranty – a CAR Motorsports exclusive.



Earlier this year I had a Jaguar customer who replaced his factory floor mats with ours, his factory mats cost $900.00 and ours cost $160. He said ours were three times nicer for one-fifth the price. Take a look also at our testimonial link below, there are several comments from customers on our floor mats as well as additional pictures. Enjoy.

http://www.carmotorsports.com/floormats_2.htm

http://www.carmotorsports.com/testimonials.htm

Rich
CAR Motorsports

[BIGGDOGG]

We received this Floor Mat email testimonial yesterday from a customer who ordered Custom Floor Mats for his parents as their Christmas present.

From: "Matt McKnight" <quicksilvergto@hotmail.com (http://webmail.registeredsite.com/agent/MobNewMsg?to=quicksilvergto@ho tmail.com)>
Date: 2005/12/17 Sat AM 09:15:38 EST
To: CAR@carmotorsports.com (http://webmail.registeredsite.com/agent/MobNewMsg?to=CAR@carmotorsport s.com)
Subject: CTS Floormats

Rich,

I just wanted to let you know that I received the CTS floor mats that I
ordered for my parents Cadillac CTS and let me say, "OH MY GOD, I am
freakin' jealous that I cannot order a set for my 04 GTO yet". The mats are
simply awesome and I know they are going to love them. I will take some
pics and send them to you when they get put in, but I may tell them to get
the car detailed first since they have a gift certificate for a complete
detail.

Thanks for the incredible customer service and going out of your way to
explain all of the details that go into producing these nice floor mats.
Simply put, these ARE NOT your run of the mill aftermarket floor mats. Have
a great Holiday and you will definately be hearing from me again come Spring
for a set of mats for my 2004 GTO.

Feel free to use my comments and pics for your website and advertising.
You've earned my future business.

Thanks,

Matt McKnight
"WickedGoat" - LS1GTO.com

We, CAR Motorsports, are fortunate to have customers who take time from their busy schedules to provide us detailed feedback. We will give our best effort to ensure you are provided with a high quality product and purchasing experience.

Rich
CAR Motorsports

[merc6]

I'm such a ricer! I want that instrament cluster with the Silver/chrome bezels!

[Bowman9]

I'm such a ricer! I want that instrament cluster with the Silver/chrome bezels!

Your not a ricer, the brushed metal bezels would tie in nicely with the electric and oil gauges that the Marauder already comes with.

[Ryans PI]

I was watching some old MotorTrend episodes that I recordered years back when it was on TNN. And in one episode, they went to SEMA, and they showed a concept Marauder. I think this was recorded back in '99. Anyway, they were talking about it and showed an interior view. I didn't see any red trim anywhere in it. None on and steering wheel or on the dash. This might have been the very first concept. It had pre- '03 front seats, Crown Vic headlights and some exterior chrome trim. They also stated that it might get a 275 HP motor.;)

[DEFYANT]

I was watching some old MotorTrend episodes that I recordered years back when it was on TNN. And in one episode, they went to SEMA, and they showed a concept Marauder. I think this was recorded back in '99. Anyway, they were talking about it and showed an interior view. I didn't see any red trim anywhere in it. None on and steering wheel or on the dash. This might have been the very first concept. It had pre- '03 front seats, Crown Vic headlights and some exterior chrome trim. They also stated that it might get a 275 HP motor.;)

You saw the warmed over CVPI they put together. That was the first concept.

[Ryans PI]

Interesting. I didn't know they used a Police Interceptor for the concept.

This is the one I have on the video.

http://www.djbob.com/images/mercury_marauder_pix/marauder_show.jpg

http://www.djbob.com/images/mercury_marauder_pix/marauder_int1.jpg

http://www.djbob.com/images/mercury_marauder_pix/marauder_int3.jpg

http://www.djbob.com/images/mercury_marauder_pix/marauder_show2.jpg

[Bowman9]

How many Marauder concepts have been built?

As Defyant said they had the original rebadged CVPI in 1999.
Then wasn't there a Crown Vic "Blackhawk" edition.
Then after the Marauder actually went into production they had the "S55" supercharged edition and the convertible concept.

That's four I can think of, were there more???

[Ryans PI]

The Blackhawk Crown Vic became the LX Sport.

[merc6]

maybe like 5. we identified a few in my reverse gauges thread. No power seats, no trip meter, cumpas was in the auto dim mirror, temp and fuel were reverse of current, and beleve tere was no emblems on trhe seats.

[Svashtar]

Guys, just bumping this to the top after speaking with Rich last week and asking him about getting some custom mats from his company for my MM. These would be perfect!

FYI, I put away my original (thin) OEM mats for shows, and bought some of the rubber Mercury ones from Ray, and they are OK, but after a year I have already worn a hole through them with my heel.

All the ones for sale have those rubber nibs that tear up your carpet and aren't distinctive in any way regardless. The CM ones don't have that and look a hell of a lot heavier to boot.

Let's get some interest going on these. Is anyone else in for a set? These would really set off the interior I think. Everything else from CM has been top quality, so I don't see why these would be any different.

Post here if interested so Rich can get an idea of the volume. I will be glad to prepay for a set if that helps.

Thanks!

Norm

[Hotrauder]

I would be very interested in a set with DTR binding and a Gods Head logo in DTR or Silver or maybe better yet the mats in DTR with Light Flint binding to match the interior and silver Gods head. That sounds about right. The quality of your mats is incredible. The ones I have seen are well worth the price. Dennis:D

[DEFYANT]

Guys, just bumping this to the top after speaking with Rich last week and asking him about getting some custom mats from his company for my MM. These would be perfect!

FYI, I put away my original (thin) OEM mats for shows, and bought some of the rubber Mercury ones from Ray, and they are OK, but after a year I have already worn a hole through them with my heel.

All the ones for sale have those rubber nibs that tear up your carpet and aren't distinctive in any way regardless. The CM ones don't have that and look a hell of a lot heavier to boot.

Let's get some interest going on these. Is anyone else in for a set? These would really set off the interior I think. Everything else from CM has been top quality, so I don't see why these would be any different.

Post here if interested so Rich can get an idea of the volume. I will be glad to prepay for a set if that helps.

Thanks!

Norm

I suggest you start a new thread. I dont care if this continues here or not, it's just that there is alot of other :blah: going on before the CM mats were offered.

A new thread would probably generate more interest.

[cougarmandan]

What color was the S-55 concept red? I was looking and looking at the guages trying to remember where I have seen them before. I think I have it. THey are autometer gauge colored. Anyone else think they tried to match the dash gauges to the Autometers? At first I thought it was the new F-150 gauges that the GM guys were so jealous of, but the shiny chrome bezels. When you compare the two pics side by side, the Concept pic here looks alot like autometer bezels. Now does autometer make bezels that big?

[Svashtar]

I suggest you start a new thread. I dont care if this continues here or not, it's just that there is alot of other :blah: going on before the CM mats were offered.

A new thread would probably generate more interest.

Good point, thanks. You are right it will get lost in the thread here.

Norm

[RCSignals]

Great score.

that concept had special badging as well......and Gods heads