Upholstery 1949 Kaiser

[JoeKeys2010]

I just recently got some volta cloth from the manufacturing fund and am very pleased with it.  Now I am trying to track down the corduroy material that goes with it.  I have looked all over the web and am waiting for several responses to phone calls or emails.  I contacted SMS who says they can reproduce it for $90 per yard and a 3 to 4 month backlog.  I was hoping to find some cheaper and quicker than that so does anyone have any or know where I can find any? 

My car is rose color inside, I think the trim package number on the id tag is 271.  The car is a 1949.  If anyone can point me in the right direction I would be grateful.  The ribs (or wale as they are called) in the corduroy measure about 4 to an inch.

[Tom]

Did you try Original Auto Interior in Columbus Michigan originalauto.com/products/n-o-s-original-seat-cloth-vinyl‎,  I reached out to them for samples for my 1954 early special. They didn't have the correct material {it appears no one does} but what they sent me was the nicest sample I have gotten  so far and I think they are where I am buying.

[JoeKeys2010]

I have not tried them but will.  SMS sent me an email saying they think they can get "close" so I am waiting for a sample or photo from them.  I also heard from a Chinese company who thinks they can match it so I sent them a photo as well.  I am still searching.  I found some that appears to be the right color and weight but the ribs (wales) are closer together than mine.  It is about 8 per inch and mine are more like 4 to an inch.

[Hollenway]

Check this out......   You can always dye it.......   

http://www.amazon.com/Kaufman-Wale-Corduroy-Orange-Fabric/dp/B004CGUAIU


I have also seen throw rugs with nearly the correct pattern at Target, Walmart etc that could be pieced by a good
upholsterer......    There are options out there rather than spend $75 a yard.   

[Hollenway]

This isn't too far off either...... and again you can always dye it.


https://www.fabric.com/buy/ah-401/10-ounce-chenille-pink?cm_vc=756b1813-cbc1-43b3-84bd-29889bf8fb7b

[JoeKeys2010]

That looks pretty close except the color is off a little.  I think I will send for a sample.  SMS says they are sending a couple of samples.  I asked for photos but have not heard back yet.

[JoeKeys2010]

Heard back from SMS.  They produced this material in tan for someone with a Kaiser.  They can make it in any color but it is high, $89 per yard with a 5 week lead time.  I'll get past Christmas and then have it made unless something else come up before then.

[JoeKeys2010]

Update on SMS and my 49 Kaiser.  The sample they sent of the corduroy material was a much lower nap than mine.  I sent a sample of mine back and they said the could get a higher nap but could not get it as high as mine.  I'm a bit disappointed, $90 per yard is a lot to pay for something that is close.

[Tom]

Merry Christmas......You could also look at discount designer fabrics.com I have sent for some samples of things that look like luxura from there.

[kaiserfrazerlibrary]

One of Kaiser-Frazer's selling points was their unique and at times exclusive upholstery offerings, both in terms of colors and actual materials.  1949-50 was an especially complex time as the company offered a very wide range of colors & fabrics.  The total number of K-F's choices exceeded those of the rest of America's auto industry combined that model year. 

[JoeKeys2010]

Merry Christmas to you too Tom. Thanks for the tip   I'll check it out tomorrow. I found something similar but wrong color and found the right color but the wales are not wide enough or far enough apart. I have a good sample to go by.

I saw a 1948 Cadillac the other day and it did not have near the interior that my Kaiser has. All that variety had to have cost Kaiser plenty.   

[Tom]

The interior is one of the things that drew me to a kaiser. The first time I saw a manhatten interior I knew one day I would get one. The problem is in the north east they are almost impossible to find not rusted to death. I am now the owner of that 54 early special.