The Official 356Talk Forum

Our '65 356C is finally in for paint (original Irish Green). I am having a bit of trouble finding a new Fawn Leatherette interior that matches the original color and texture of the material.

Our original door panels are in very good condition, and if I can get a close enough match for the seats, etc I'd like to reinstall those panels.
I requested Fawn Leatherette samples from Auto's International, but the ones I've received thus far are not a good match. I am sending a sample of the original material (cut from a non-faded spot under the back seat rear panel) and they are going to try again.
While I wait for more samples, I am hoping someone recently sourced a new Fawn interior that matched the original well. In the past, I have seen redone Fawn interiors that seemed to match more or less perfectly. If so, it would be very helpful to learn of the source, manufacturer or sample code of the Fawn Leatherette interior.

Thanks in advance.

Bill

Bill, I bought new seat covers from Stoddard because the originals were torn and very holey, then years later when I did the interior I bought a rear bulkhead panel from these folks. http://www.khupholstery.com
My door panels are the originals and the match is more than acceptable for my eyes. I will send pictures when I can remember to take some if you want.

Update: Carolina Gonzalez at Auto's International found a very good match to the original leatherette (vinyl): IND8607 - Independence 2 Enduratex / "Chocolate." It is the larger sample in the photos, below. If leather is your preference, Tony Garcia at Autobahn Interiors has an excellent match: A-4106 Bourbon / Euro Autolux Leather (smaller sample below). It is hard to capture the colors precisely due to reflections, but when viewed in daylight both are very close to the original Fawn Leatherette.

Excellent find Bill. Thanks for posting this.

If you are looking for a match for the door panels, why would you send a sample that has been out of the sun for years. Send a garnish rail or something similar. Carolina at Autos is great at helping with these issues.

Jim,

I am thinking that I may not have stated my latest posting in the best way. The sample I sent to Autos International was a piece cut from the back of the rear panel (below the rear window). That piece was part of the original interior that was not exposed to sunlight over the years. The sample I sent to her was exactly like the original door panels (which I am going to re-use). In other words, the door panels appear to be unchanged from original... no fading or discoloration, etc. The vinyl sample that she sent to me matches (very well) the original door panels, plus the original rear seat bottoms and backs that are in very good condition and will be retained.

Am I not understanding your message properly?

Bill

Bill, my error, and no disrespect intended. You are on the right track, with the right people. Sorry for the confusion. .....Jim.

Thanks, Jim. No problem whatsoever. My initial "issue" getting a good match makes me think that perhaps someone should start a "sticky" thread suggesting good matches they have recently found with original vinyl "leatherette" and leather materials. In the case of the Fawn Leatherette, I heard from a number of owners who found the samples readily available from the "usual sources" too dark.

Regards,

Bill

The problem with that Bill, is that there are dozens of vinyl manufacturers out there. I've used the same upholsterer for many years. He has books from many suppliers to choose from. The second issue is dye lot. The rolls change from lot to lot. Just like leather, and carpet. I like to buy extra of both on a new installation just in case of an accident with the interior. Most especially with corduroy, and leather. I try to end up with an extra hide, and a few yards extra. Vinyl is even more of a bargain. Cheap insurance.

Like Bill Waite, I never found a vinyl leatherette to match the original fawn. After searching for several years, I ended up having some vinyl dyed to match my original. If anyone is interested, I have some extra.
Just send me an email and I will follow up with you.

CORRECTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE, BELOW:

Hi Steve,

I did find a vinyl that was an excellent match to our '65 356C original fawn leatherette: IND 8607 vinyl (Independence 2 / Chocolate). One online supplier of the material by the yard is: http://www.upholsterysupplyonline.com

Link to specific material: http://www.upholsterysupplyonline.com/p ... d8607.html Just $11.95 per yard. However, there are many other samples that look (at least online) like they might be a good match. For example, some can be found on these pages, and others:

http://www.upholsterysupplyonline.com/c ... s/Montana/

http://www.upholsterysupplyonline.com/c ... ls/Sierra/

Bill

That's great Bill. They sent me samples but I never found a match to satisfy me.

Now I understand Bill. You found a good match in leather. I wanted to match the original vinyl.

Bill Waite wrote:Update: Carolina Gonzalez at Auto's International found a very good match to the original leatherette (vinyl): IND8607 - Independence 2 Enduratex / "Chocolate." It is the larger sample in the photos, below. If leather is your preference, Tony Garcia at Autobahn Interiors has an excellent match: A-4106 Bourbon / Euro Autolux Leather (smaller sample below). It is hard to capture the colors precisely due to reflections, but when viewed in daylight both are very close to the original Fawn Leatherette.

FAWN LEATHERETTE101.JPG

FAWN LEATHERETTE100.JPG

Bill posted the vinyl used to match and also included leather match that Tony Garcia of Autobahn interiors recently matched.