Ok, I understand. I like the idea of using original fabrics, but here
is the problem. I do a lot of my own upholstery, but I do not want to do
the Imperial because, well, I want it to be perfect, and if I pay someone and it
isn't right....they can fix it. If I screw it up, I couldn't deal with
it...not at $45.00 per yard. But, this crack shot upholstery guy I have
was complaining about the thickness of my vinyl that I had originally purchased
being to thin, and not durable enough. So, I requested the samples from
SMS. Wow, perfect match...but, much thinner fabric and vinyl than
I already had purchased. The upholstery guy is telling me
that he will do the job, but that the vinyl and fabric are so thin
(which is true), that they will not hold up long. Honestly, I don't want
to be looking to re-do the interior again in the near future, or decade
even. I live in the desert portion of Washington State behind
the rain shadow of the Cascades and what we get the most of is sun....vinyl
baking sun. So, that is why I am searching for some guidance on
this one. ARGH!
Secondly, since you are familiar with SMS's fabrics, have you checked
their carpet sets? They say that they are factory correct, but I have
not seen them yet, and the samples that they sent me were for fabrics
only. I know that the original carpet wears like iron, as even after
45 years, the carpet is the only thing in the interior that is worth
much. Input on the carpet sets there would be appreciated if anyone
has any knowledge of SMS's carpet kits.
Thanks much!
Teresa
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, October 07, 2004 7:05
AM
Subject: Re: IML: Carpet Sets and
Interior Fabrics
Teresa,
You seek the answer to one of the million dollar questions. How
long will the original fabric last? No one can provide you a guarantee
to that question. SMS does sell both reproduction and NOS fabrics for
many cars. The quality is good. I have used them for my own
restoration. Some fabrics are inherently stonger than others (this can
be atested to by the long wearing Herculon on mother's sofa!) Longevity
can be dependent on the size of the yard, the weave of the fabric, and the
underlying support of the foam and batting in the seats. I would suspect
that the NOS fabric would stand up to the type of us you will be placing on
the car. Most of us are not using our Imperials or vintage cars the way
there were first used when new. They tend to be a lot more
pampered. Ultimately you will have to decide if originality is worth the
price to pay for the fabric and the care you will take to preserve the
interior. The original cloth is still in great condition in my 60 New
Yorker coupe. The problem with this interior is the deterioration of the
seat foam. The car came from Washington which has helped to preserve the
interior. I have another low mileage 60 New Yorker sedan with the
broadcloth and snowflake insert interior. This one is toast as it spent
the majority of its life baking in Oklahoma. The foam and the wool
broadcloth are disintegrating right before my eyes! I tend to like
originality so I would encourage you to get the NOS fabric.
Carpet for your car is going to be more of a challenge. Most of the
current auto carpet and carpet sets out there today do not have the correct
pile type and length of pile for later forward look Imperials (and
Chryslers). I have been searching most of the summer for someone that
offers something reasonably close to replace what is in my wagon. As an
example, for 1960 the Imperial and the Chrysler use similar carpeting which
has a longer than now offered yarn length and a much higher density. I
have found nothing from an automotive carpet supplier that is close to
correct. All I found was the standard short cut pile nap that in no way
offers the same luxurious texture and feel required to make the car look
correct. I ended up ordering a residential carpet which is going to be
made into the carpet set. If anyone has information on where to obtain
correct carpet I would love to know.... and I know of several others that
would too!
So Teresa, I would not be afraid to go with the fabric from SMS. It
will make the car look great and once the work is done you will be
pleased. The new foam and seat materials will also help to ensure long
life to the new upholstery.
Happy Motoring.
Dale
68 Crown Coupe
60 New Yorkers (wagon, coupe, sedan)
78 LeBaron T&C
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