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TR2/3/3A TR3 Vinyl

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bertl

bertl

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Anyone know a source for vinyl by the yard to recover the door panels, dash and capping for my TR3A that will match the original material?

VB has it listed @$70/yd OUCH! but they wouldn't send me a swatch to see if it matched my original material. I assume it will match but I've heard that old story before. I'm not ordering without seeing it or confirming from someone that it matches. Has anyone used their #99999-BL? There are other sources for Naugahyde at less than 1/2 their price but so far I've been unable to match the original pattern.

thanks for any help
Bert
 
Aloha Bert,

I don't know about VB but I know that both Moss and the TRF have provided me with samples of their vinyl. I don't know if Moss sells it in bulk but TRF does. TRF pricing per yard is similar to VB. I don't think black shouldn't be as hard to match as some of the other colors, but I think the graining pattern in the vinyl will be harder.
 
Bert
I doubt the $70/yd will match exactly anyway. Go to you local upholstery shops (especially the old junky looking ones). I've bought a lot of materials that way over the years. Saved a lot of money and gotten good material as well.

Marv
 
Aloha Bert,

Another option is to find a local auto upholstry shop, especially one that does custom work and hot rods. They usually have sources for a variety of material and also sample swatches. Marvin's suggestion is also good.
 
Make sure you ask what the material UV Rating is. I found some material at one of the wholesale shops in town that I just loved. I asked one of the people that worked there if this was good for automotive interior and was insured that it was fine. I didn't think they had enough material so I called an authorized distributor and was told that the material was only rated for 40 UV hours and would fade quickly.
 
Joanne's Fabrics. With a 50 % off coupon, I sewed my own seats. See the earlier thread on seat covering to see an example.
Paul
 
Don't believe I'd deal with ANYONE who cannot send a sample of goods that expensive. Gosh, if it were a supplier I'd expect to send several choices!
 
There is a Nationwide firm called KEYSTON. They have a website. They specialize in automotive stuff. I did my TR3A restoration 22 years ago. They provided me with all my material, including a full leather hide in a one off color (for a TR3)(GREEN) with matching vinyl in a perfect color match. My 3 has had MANY hours in the sunlight without a hint of fading or deterioration. They even convinced Robbins to make me a top for my 3 in a one off color. I have no affiliation with this firm.
Frank
 
Thanks for all the input. Will pursue TRF and Moss today and see what they can tell me. It's not the color I'm worried about, black is black and I'm redoing it all ( dash, door panels rear capping, may be able to save rear wheel coverings though ) so whatever I pick the color will be the same. It's the grain or pattern that I 'm concerned about. As you all know the original has a "pebble" type grain and texture and is visually prominent. I've found some that the pattern was close enough but you had to use a flashlight to see any grain in it. What do the concourse guys use for restoring? I'm not going that far with my restore but I want what is on there now. I'll keep on the hunt
 
https://www.sailrite.com

Fantastic outfit to deal with.

All blacks are not created equal just like red colors. Some look black but turn charcoal in the sun so be sure to get samples before ordering.
 
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I called TRF and Moss, TRF is sending me a sample and Moss would send me a sample but the material has the leather grain look which is not like the original in the car. I'm surprised that concourse restoration is that flexible because that is not fact original unless it was a special order. I owned a 56 TR3 50 yrs ago and it had the same as the one I'm now restoring. I remember my buddy's Sprite, and another's AH that all had the same pebble grain vinyl interior.

Per Peter's suggestion I have a sample from Sailrite. The pattern looks right so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. If it is I will investigate UV rating per Keith's suggestion as it is not listed on their website.. Will let you all know what turns out.
 
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