I have bought material from SMS before, no problem, good products. Does anyone know if they fabricate complete seat coverings?
Have not heard of them doing this, but maybe someone has already called and knows for sure. The best results I see are where an original factory seat is taken apart, pattern is duplicated and sewn back together. This work is usually completed locally. There are some national places that can do this work, but only for the more popular patterns (1971-76 Eldorado leather for convertible as an example). USA Parts advertises such a service.
The upholstery patterns might be difficult to keep on file, and there were many variations in the 1950's through the 1970's within each model year. It will still take a skilled upholster to install pre-made seat covers. Make sure the local upholster is agreeable to this arrangement in advance. I talked to my local upholster and he did not endorse quality of this type of service, and would not install them for me. He is a real honest guy and so I had him make mine and very happy.
Tony,
You know you are going to get an awful lot of "I think"'s. Why don't you call SMS and ask them?
Greg Surfas
Will do . Thanks
https://www.smsautofabrics.com/
From the SMS site:
SPECIALTY WEAVING
SMS has recreated over 1,000 unique automobile fabrics over the years. For many rare American and foreign cars, the original body cloth no longer exists anywhere. While we have remade many of these original patterns, we frequently are asked to recreate fabrics that have not yet been made.
If your auto fabric falls into this category, we are able to help. Our team of professional weavers and designers will remake any fabric possible, regardless of original make and model. We put each new fabric through a rigorous design process to ensure a recreation as near to original as possible. This, as with other custom work, is often a time consuming process so we always recommend you start your interior restoration as early as possible in case you need or want our specialty weaving services.
They're good at what they do but be prepared to wait for months before you see the final product. They also want half the money up front just so you know.
I spoke to SMS today about fabricating a new front bottom cushion cover, two backrest covers, including side and top leather. They will make them. I would have to send the old ones. This would be okay, because the car sits in Florida all summer, anyway. When I got the new covers back, then I would have a local trimmer install them.
As has already been pointed out; they do great work, which takes forever to get done!
I have used them. Key, in my experience was constant contact; in my case by means of monthly emails. I had a 4 month turnaround on door panels.
If you must have them made, try these guys
http://www.lebaronbonney.com/
or buy the material and have a local auto upholstery shop make them.
Personally I'd like to buy the material and have them made locally.
Same reason you don't buy a convertible top and get someone to put it on.
If the job doesn't come out correctly the installer will blame the supplier of the pre made upholstery. If you give him yardage and he created the seat covering it's all on him.
Unless you are dealing with a shop that can't make the seat upholstery but is willing to only install it. Since it's not a kit like a Mustang or other more common car it's a one-off and may or may not fit.
Just my opinion.
Having someone local make it is a good thought. The seat cushion cover, is a bunch of leather squares with buttons, a difficult endeavor. My thought was that having SMS fabricate the cover, it would be done properly.
True but when it all comes down to it someone with a sewing machine will be making it whether it's at SMS or XYZ upholstery shop.
I have only dealt with SMS once. If they are experts at making the seat covering then I guess they know what to do.
I'm going to be needing the front seat on the 60 Seville done in the coming year but I have a guy float to home for that.
Good luck with yours.