[elcaminoescondito]

I was woundering if any one knew what charecteristics made a good fabric to upholster my car, like door panels, the vinyl i found comes in like two colors black and dark black. Also i wanted to use something a little better feeling than vinyl. any recomndations?

 

[Wmarden]

Wal-mart has some vinyls of different colors. Of course I'll not vouch for how they do as far as wear and tear in a car, but one or two have colors that I think would look great in the right car.
Plus they have different textures.

[ November 14, 2002: Message edited by: Wmarden ]</p>

 

[4 Jaw Chuck]

Last time I bought bulk vinyl I was told there are two grades of vinyl, naugahyde and the cheap thin crap. I bought the naugahyde for recovering motorcycle and snowmobile seats and the good stuff is easily twice as thick and has a nicer texture as a result. I am sure there are other grades with different textures but reality is you can only buy what suppliers have in stock. With some searching online I am sure you can find many varieties of colors and textures to suit your tastes. This web page that lists bulk vinyl material, give them a try. I found these in 30 seconds of searching so try searching Google online using vinyl, bulk, material as search criteria. There were 40 000 hits using these search words.

 

[ZZfourd]

If you are looking for something else besides vinyl you might consider some stuff called utra-leather. Its reallty nice and strong. Its a little softer than leather and a hell of a lot easier to maintain. You can wash it with soap and water and it is almost impossible to tear or puncture. Its in our '34 and I am very happy with it. Oh yeah it comes in a lot of colors too.

[ November 15, 2002: Message edited by: ZZfourd ]</p>

 

[kristkustoms]

Wow. The places you are seeking information on leather alternatives do not seem very knowledgeable about their vinyl. There are tens to hundreds of different kinds of vinyls that can be used in automotive upholstery. Only two grades of vinyl? That is a flat out lie.

I would highly suggest seeking out a knowledgeable automotive interior shop that could offer you many different kinds of vinyl, and tell you about them. ZZfourd is right, UltraLeather is the finest leather alternative there is, and it is softer than most leather, and is easy to work with, we use it alot. But the price might scare of a do-it-your-selfer. There are some very nice, soft, easy working vinyls available in the $15-$20 per yard range.

I would highly recommend NOT buying vinyl from WalMart or a craft store. They are probably not automotive grade, and don't have the UV coatings that automotive vinyls do. And someone at WalMart won't be able to tell you anything about the vinyl. And try not to be set on buying something that is IN STOCK in a store. If you were to place an order with us, 90% of the vinyls we sell are available next day. Order it on Monday, ready for pickup on Tuesday. You will get exactly what you want, if you could just wait one day.

Shawn Krist
Krist Kustoms
Kustom Automotive Interiors

 

[drgnwgn289]

In my car I used Marine grade vinyl and I love it. I have white insets in my seats and they are easy to clean and it is pretty soft to, not plastic feeling.