C1 61 62 Trunk Mat Question....TMCS

[Richard M.]

Hi,

How will a vintage nors TMCS 61/62 red trunk mat fare in judging? I know the originals' part# was ink stamped, and this is embossed(3783835). It has black back with a diamond grain. On the back it has large white stamps in several places "2 12 A 13" which I'd imagine is a date and/or lot code. The original box is dated "6 78" so that must be near when it was made.

I read through ALL "TMCS"(T. Michaelis Corvette Supply) archives and listened to many of you about TMCS. Interesting info. Sounds like he was a pioneer for keeping these cars alive when GM stopped making parts, along with other interesting comments. BTW, my 53-79 parts book listed it available then for $21. It must have been a staggering cost to tool up to compete with that. I also found that the Restorer had an article in 79 about it's bankruptcy, but I only started getting them in 88 so I don't have that one.

The original boxed mat:

Also, how do the reproductions fare in judging that are sold today?

Thanks,
Rich Mozzetta #13499

[Mike E.]

Re: C1 61 62 Trunk Mat Question....TMCS

Rich--
What you have is a second-generation GM trunk mat reboxed by Michaelis. They never retooled for a repro, because, as you indicate, it was available for quite a while through GM.
What you have is much closer to correct than any reproduction I've seen--only a minor deduct for the part number being molded instead of stamped.

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 61 62 Trunk Mat Question....TMCS

Great!

I was told by the guy I bought it from that Michaelis bought out many GM parts then and that this was one of them. He bought it from him in 78 for his 61 but never used it. When it came in that TMCS box I was suspicious. So it's a GM part right? Maybe not the factory flavor but I'd imagine a original correct nos could blow a paint job budget to pieces!:-)

Hmmmm, maybe a home run on this one. It makes up for some other purchases lately that were less than expected.

Thanks Mike, you made my day!

Rich