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Forward Look Technical Discussions -> Body, Glass, Interior and Trim	Message format

normsclassicradio

Posted 2018-12-04 1:14 PM (#574622)
Subject: Interior alternatives

Veteran

Posts: 298
100

Location: Kalispell, MT USA

I've been in touch with SMS, and the samples are awesome. However, for now I don't think I can afford the OEM reproductions. I found this place: https://www.automotiveinteriors.com
Has anyone had any experience with them? They were quick to respond to my inquiry. I think this may be a viable alternative for a daily driver like by car will be.
https://www.automotiveinteriors.com/interior_restoration_gallery_a/2...

LostDeere59

Posted 2018-12-05 3:51 PM (#574715 - in reply to #574622)
Subject: RE: Interior alternatives

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Posts: 406
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Location: Hilltown, PA

That all looks like nice work, but what they're doing is nothing that any reasonably competent upholstery shop couldn't do.

What makes SMS special isn't what they produce in terms of finished products like seat covers and door panels, but that they manufacture reproduction fabrics to make the items from.

So far as I can tell, if you want an original appearing interior you have to deal with SMS (or your upholsterer does).

Frankly, as much as I'd like to "correct" my interior, I'm reconsidering the project, and might have it redone with modern materials but in the original overall color scheme/pattern.

If anybody knows of another potential source for original (or pretty darn close to original) materials I'd be willing to give them a try.

Gregg

mikes2nd

Posted 2018-12-06 12:01 AM (#574748 - in reply to #574622)
Subject: Re: Interior alternatives

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im going to source some 1 inch heat pleated vinyl and make my own. I can add some foil trim in areas to it.

To the untrained eye it will look stock.

Powerflite

Posted 2018-12-06 12:01 AM (#574749 - in reply to #574715)
Subject: RE: Interior alternatives

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Location: So. Cal

Often, you can find the vinyl in the correct, or nearly correct colors. That will save you a lot compared to purchasing the vinyl from SMS. But they are the only show in town for getting the fabric for your seats. Personally, I am very thankful they are around. Even though they are expensive, it is somewhat amazing that anyone still has these patterns and are willing to reproduce them for us. Really, think about all the different possible variations there are for every year, make, model, & trim version. It makes the fabric they sell seem really inexpensive in comparison.

billy

Posted 2018-12-07 11:44 AM (#574843 - in reply to #574622)
Subject: Re: Interior alternatives

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Posts: 395
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Location: upstate new york

Very well put Nathan...I am also a fan of SMS. I have rec'd carpet, windlace, and OEM seat fabrics with beading from them. This month i should get my door panels, kick panels and head liner...now while the interior is out, i just have to fix the darn holes in the floor and get the power seat back in shape....

normsclassicradio

Posted 2018-12-07 1:30 PM (#574855 - in reply to #574622)
Subject: RE: Interior alternatives

Veteran

Posts: 298
100

Location: Kalispell, MT USA

I appreciate all the feedback. I'm sure I will be using SMS, particularly for the door panels. Since money for this project comes in small trickles, I will probably use the non original seat covers for now. Especially for the front seat, it's nearly unusable as-is, and I want to be able to drive the car as I'm working on it.

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macedon

Posted 2018-12-09 11:02 AM (#574913 - in reply to #574622)
Subject: RE: Interior alternatives

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Posts: 963
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Location: San Antonio, TX

This is what I am going to use on the bottom of my door panels. Is it exactly the same? No, but sure is close enough for me. It seems to be thicker than the original foil so I'm hoping it holds up a little better.

I got it on Amazon. HTGSupply 25 Foot by 4 Foot Roll Heavy-Duty Reflective Diamond Foil on Black Poly Film, 6.7 Mil

The roll is 25 feet long so I probably have enough to do 6 or 8 cars. PM me if you need some. I'll be happy to share... gratis. My way of paying it Forward... Look.

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ttotired

Posted 2018-12-09 3:38 PM (#574933 - in reply to #574622)
Subject: Re: Interior alternatives

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Location: Perth Australia

I used the same foil stuff, hard part was trying to make round corners.

I doubled the edge over so it had more "meat" for the machine

The other thing is the sewing machine foot will flatten out the little pyramids, so use the smallest foot you can