Product to seal cracks in floor material?

[5cylinder]

I recently had the base front carpet floor mats out of my 1985 300D and noticed that quite a few cracks have developed over the years in the black (plastic?) base material (see attached pictures) that sits on top of the metal frame. Applying a small amount of pressure seems to cause more cracking and even breakage.

So, my question:
Does anyone have a recommendation for a product (say, a sealant, gasket maker, etc.) that could be applied into the cracks that would slow or stop additional degrading?

Thank you for any suggestions.

[Mxfrank]

Someday, you may have to replace a floor panel and you'll be glad to be rid of that stuff. If you really must preserve it, I guess it wouldn't hurt to shoot some undercoat into the cracks.

[5cylinder]

Originally Posted by Mxfrank

Someday, you may have to replace a floor panel and you'll be glad to be rid of that stuff.

I wasn't aware that it is so undesirable. I probably inadvertently overlooked previous discussions of it. Whatever the material actually is (which I would be curious to know), it does seem rather inferior the way it is falling apart. Ugh.

Originally Posted by Mxfrank

If you really must preserve it, I guess it wouldn't hurt to shoot some undercoat into the cracks.

Makes sense.

Thanks-

[martureo]

Originally Posted by 5cylinder

I recently had the base front carpet floor mats out of my 1985 300D and noticed that quite a few cracks have developed over the years in the black (plastic?) base material (see attached pictures) that sits on top of the metal frame. Applying a small amount of pressure seems to cause more cracking and even breakage.

So, my question:
Does anyone have a recommendation for a product (say, a sealant, gasket maker, etc.) that could be applied into the cracks that would slow or stop additional degrading?

Thank you for any suggestions.

What you're looking at is the cosmetic cover to the asphalt sound insulation. Don't worry about the cracks at all.

When the previous poster said you might be glad to be rid of it, he's right. The stuff is heavy, and hard to get rid of if you need to remove it. If you don't have any rust problems, leave it alone.

[5cylinder]

Originally Posted by martureo

What you're looking at is the cosmetic cover to the asphalt sound insulation. Don't worry about the cracks at all.

Covering over asphalt sound insulatation - Ahhh.
Sounds like something that those German industrial engineers of that era would select. Interesting. Thank you for clarifying.

Originally Posted by martureo

When the previous poster said you might be glad to be rid of it, he's right. The stuff is heavy, and hard to get rid of if you need to remove it. If you don't have any rust problems, leave it alone.

Exceedingly little rust on the vehicle and dealt with anytime I encounter it.

Thanks again.

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted by martureo

What you're looking at is the cosmetic cover to the asphalt sound insulation. Don't worry about the cracks at all.

When the previous poster said you might be glad to be rid of it, he's right. The stuff is heavy, and hard to get rid of if you need to remove it. If you don't have any rust problems, leave it alone.

Agree, its just cosmetic.

I like the stuff in a dry car - because it does deaden sound. A pain to mess with for repairs? Yes. Hopefully water can be kept out to avoid those issues...

But if water gets in, all bets are off - this stuff makes it hard to get it out. If anything, the cracks are then of benefit, in that they allow some additional space for diffusion of water, and also some areas that can be vacuumed.

[5cylinder]

Originally Posted by JHZR2

I like the stuff in a dry car - because it does deaden sound.

Yes, it does seem to do a good job of sound deadening.

Originally Posted by JHZR2

A pain to mess with for repairs? Yes. Hopefully water can be kept out to avoid those issues...

This is one very good reason to be attentive to any signs of water in the area.

Originally Posted by JHZR2

If anything, the cracks are then of benefit, in that they allow some additional space for diffusion of water, and also some areas that can be vacuumed.

That's another good point.

Thanks for the info.

[Mike D]

If the cracks bother you and you'd like to seal them, try this:

https://www.amazon.com/MANUFACTURING-5347-Submarine-Cooler-Coating/dp/B0063KBI7A/ref=pd_sbs_60_3/141-1078669-8773462?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0063KBI7A&pd_rd_r=f2bb7aa6-0c1d-4236-975c-5b46bae9b060&pd_rd_w=Urbrc&pd_rd_wg=sgbf2&pf_rd_p=bdc67ba8-ab69-42ee-b8d8-8f5336b36a83&pf_rd_r=QQ1QM3Q0JX2GGWFBNEZ4&psc=1&refRID=QQ1QM3Q0JX2GGWFBNEZ4

Plan on allowing a week or so to allow the smell, not over-powering but noticeable, to dissipate. Brushes on easily and if applied in thin coats fills the cracks nicely.

Henry's makes a roofing emulsion which works also. It takes MUCH longer to cure and the odor persists for a good while.

[5cylinder]

Originally Posted by Mike D

If the cracks bother you and you'd like to seal them, try this:

https://www.amazon.com/MANUFACTURING-5347-Submarine-Cooler-Coating/dp/B0063KBI7A/ref=pd_sbs_60_3/141-1078669-8773462?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0063KBI7A&pd_rd_r=f2bb7aa6-0c1d-4236-975c-5b46bae9b060&pd_rd_w=Urbrc&pd_rd_wg=sgbf2&pf_rd_p=bdc67ba8-ab69-42ee-b8d8-8f5336b36a83&pf_rd_r=QQ1QM3Q0JX2GGWFBNEZ4&psc=1&refRID=QQ1QM3Q0JX2GGWFBNEZ4

Plan on allowing a week or so to allow the smell, not over-powering but noticeable, to dissipate. Brushes on easily and if applied in thin coats fills the cracks nicely.

Wow. I thought I was one brilliant cat who knew everything but apparently not... I'd never heard of this. Interesting stuff..." thick asphaltic base" etc.

I sincerely appreciate your letting me know about this. Thank you.