interior trim fabric question

[Jim Rosenthal]

Most original GT40s that I have seen (which isn't that many cars- maybe seven or eight, tops) had the nylon ballistic cloth fabric interior with the nickel-plated grommets in the seats. That is the interior look that most people like for these cars.

However, if you look at the interior photos of Colin Comer's GT40, which is 1043, I think (Collector Cars: Muscle Cars, Exotic Autos, Sports Cars and Specialty Vehicles at Classic Auto), it shows a black leather interior which was evidently a factory option/upgrade. I like that interior and would like to copy it for my car. Here's the question: the seating surfaces are upholstered in a leather material that is stamped (at least that's what it looks like) to resemble woven leather material. (the other areas are a non-embossed black leather which will be much easier to duplicate) Can anyone tell what this stuff is and does anyone know where to find it? I've looked through a lot of upholstery books and nothing so far, and my trim shop doesn't know where to find it, either.

If anyone knows what it is, and would be willing to share that and any source information, I'd be grateful. Thanks, as always, in advance.

 

[Rick Muck- Mark IV]

Jim,

I think while you will find that the bolsters are leather, the textured inserts are embossed vinyl. The material used here is not actually "breathable", however if you use the old Ford "Comfortweave" vinyl, it is breathable.....that's the good news. the bad news is that Comfortweave in the actual woven vinyl material is no longer made. Story is the sole machine that manufactured the vinyl was sold and in Kobe, Japan when the earthquake destroyed it! The reproduction Comfortweave is embossed, not woven. NOS yard goods are available, a friend recently bought some to restore his Boss 302 Deluxe interior. I can get you the info if you wish.

 

[James]

Wanted to ask if anyone was/is able to identify what specific embossed vinyl was used on the road car inserts?

It looks like authentic Comfortweave can still be found, but my read is that it’s not what was originally used.

 

[Rob Klein]

The material you looking for is used in the Skydiving industry to make Rigs, and Jump Suits. It's called Parapack. I was a skydiver for thirty five years, with over 5,000 jumps and it was used all the time.

 

[James]

The material you looking for is used in the Skydiving industry to make Rigs, and Jump Suits. It's called Parapack. I was a skydiver for thirty five years, with over 5,000 jumps and it was used all the time.

That’s for the race-cars, right? I’m looking for the material used on the road cars. Pictures of road car interiors all look like black leather, but Rick indicated the inserts were a type of embossed vinyl.

 

[Rob Klein]

That’s for the race-cars, right? I’m looking for the material used on the road cars. Pictures of road car interiors all look like black leather, but Rick indicated the inserts were a type of embossed vinyl.

ohhhh, sorry. Yes what I was talking about was for race cars

 

[Pedro]

That’s for the race-cars, right? I’m looking for the material used on the road cars. Pictures of road car interiors all look like black leather, but Rick indicated the inserts were a type of embossed vinyl.

 

[Rick Muck- Mark IV]

That embossed vinyl was used on several British cars in period. The Lotus Europa used it as well.

 

[James]

I appreciate the input and pictures. Still looking into this, but I’ve read that the Europa used as basketweave vinyl insert (although I haven’t confirmed).

Pedro and Rick, do yall know what pattern was used on the 40s? The pictures look more like they’re just perforated, but I’ve never seen in person. Also, was just the insert vinyl and the rest leather, or was everything vinyl?

Thanks for the help.

 

[Pedro]

I appreciate the input and pictures. Still looking into this, but I’ve read that the Europa used as basketweave vinyl insert (although I haven’t confirmed).

Pedro and Rick, do yall know what pattern was used on the 40s? The pictures look more like they’re just perforated, but I’ve never seen in person. Also, was just the insert vinyl and the rest leather, or was everything vinyl?

Thanks for the help.

I don’t have much information about the seat material just the pictures I posted, these pictures are from Barry Simmons original car that were posted on this forum a while back, I believe that Barry is a member and may be able to answer a few questions.

Hope this helps

Pedro