More OEM Minutia, Carpet Backings Options

[StarBear]

@wonkipop
@jeffbowlsby
@van b
@big len
In the midst of finally replacing a few key pieces of my original carpeting. Noticed something somewhat strange (see pics). The backing on the driver’s side (on right) is lighter and kind of light, stiff pvc or something. Stamped with “TSB”. Passenger side backing is black and much more rubbery; not stiff at all. Same situation with the NOS pieces I’m preparing to put in and the NOS passenger mat already in (not in pics).

Any experience, insight, or history on this. These are known (mine) original pieces.
As promised, truly minutia.
Thanks!

Backs of Originals:


Backs of New NOS:

[wonkipop]

@StarBear

trying to remember taking them out, but its a hell of a long time ago.
my memory is hardly any of it was glued on with factory carpets.
certainly the tunnel piece was not. thats a piece dealer mechanics needed to be able to get off easily and reinstall easily to do work on the car. only way it can look any good without being glued is if its a moulded piece.

the tunnel piece for rhd set i made i had to glue down but only along its bottom edges and sparingly. so it holds form but i can get it off without a lot of trouble.

passenger sill piece might have been glued on originally. i can sort of remember having to pull some of it out. the passenger firewall footwell was.
can remember getting that piece out and the weird pad. had to cut it away from the where the steering shaft came through the firewall. probably why i threw it away. i damaged it anyway.

original driver side piece is pretty tatty because i cut the pedal slot trims and heel pad out of it and reused them for rhd carpets.