Cadillac & LaSalle Club Discussion Forum

Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forums => Technical / Authenticity => Topic started by: carlhungness on December 21, 2024, 08:13:17 PM

Title: Upholstery Suggestions For 1937 LaSalle Coupe
Post by: carlhungness on December 21, 2024, 08:13:17 PM
I am familiar with the stock upholstery in my '37 Coupe and seeking a replacement/suggestions as the car should be ready for upholstery in a few months. LeBaron Bonney used to supply kits and I know they are no longer in business, so welcome suggestions for suppliers and type of material to be used.
Title: Re: Upholstery Suggestions For 1937 LaSalle Coupe
Post by: Clewisiii on December 21, 2024, 09:14:58 PM
I thought Bill Hirsch sold those old fabrics and leather. But I am not seeing it on their website.
Title: Re: Upholstery Suggestions For 1937 LaSalle Coupe
Post by: Abe Lugo on December 22, 2024, 03:06:58 AM
I found stock interiors sells a carpet kit for 41's they might do older models also.  As far as a carpet.
For seats and door panels  I would just go down an automotive upholstery shop with pictures and get a quote. 
There really isn't any kits available anymore.
SMS might have the fabrics. But might as well check around with local upholster shops.  They might have something you like and looks correct. 
Title: Re: Upholstery Suggestions For 1937 LaSalle Coupe
Post by: carlhungness on December 22, 2024, 02:22:26 PM
I was thinking about leather but have a vegan sister who wouldn't be too happy with me, so I'll scratch around and come up with something that looks classy.
Title: Re: Upholstery Suggestions For 1937 LaSalle Coupe
Post by: Abe Lugo on December 23, 2024, 02:31:49 AM
I would do leather.  Just don't give your sister a ride perhaps.  It would add value later on. 
Mine will get leather when I finally redo the interior. 
Title: Re: Upholstery Suggestions For 1937 LaSalle Coupe
Post by: carlhungness on December 23, 2024, 01:24:38 PM
I do like the leather, maybe a tan that will compliment the Admiral Blue exterior. Look forward to the day the car is ready for the upholstery shop.
Title: Re: Upholstery Suggestions For 1937 LaSalle Coupe
Post by: 914Driver on December 23, 2024, 02:07:51 PM
I contacted SMS Fabric (https://smsautofabrics.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAsaS7BhDPARIsAAX5cSDL08BqWjXSGuvzhMSOVg6xyOcdiDvAePRJjpXW2ohCeh0FF2jjBfwaAhXsEALw_wcB) for a free sample of material for my 1940 LaSalle.  I received a dark-light striped double broadcloth material that was very nice.  However, after hearing some first hand stories of their customer service, I looked elsewhere.  Of course I have no first hand experience and your mileage may vary.

Dan
Title: Re: Upholstery Suggestions For 1937 LaSalle Coupe
Post by: Abe Lugo on December 23, 2024, 05:00:22 PM
SMS might only guarantee the fabric if they are doing the upholstery. 

I bought yardage from SMS years ago for 50's Ford medium blue vinyl and my upholsterer told me the fabric was too brittle and just patched in some of my old upholstery fabric that was still pliable. 

I know 30-40 fabric is more thick cloth like.  I would ask for a larger swatch and do a pull test on it. 

I have bought dead stock fabric from other vendors and sometimes it just shreds due to age and storage method. 

Also consult with your upholstery and ask how much yards you will need and confirm with the vendor they have enough.
Title: Re: Upholstery Suggestions For 1937 LaSalle Coupe
Post by: carlhungness on December 24, 2024, 02:18:25 PM
Good advice, I won't try to save any money on the upholstery, have about $42,000 invested in the restoration so far, so in for a penny in for a pound.