Topic: SMS vs TMI vs Distinctive

[mgh]

I was wondering if anyone knows how SMS Auto Fabrics compares to the color and material of TMI and Distinctive.  Based on comments on this forum I have ordered seat covers, door panels, convertible top, carpet and trunk mat from SMS.  I am also needing to replace the visors, convertible boot, convertible well, and windlace.  Their carpet and trunk mat were shipped from ACC.  The visors, convertible boot and well material is more than 4 times more expensive than the other two even with their sale prices. Also I need to send them my old visors and boot to recover and make new.  I'm not sure if what I have are original components or not.  I was wondering if either TMI or Distinctive would be a close match for the boot and visors with the seat covers or if I would just creating more problems by mixing brands.  I'm trying to stay as close to original as possible but also don't want to have a six figure car by the time I am finished. $$$

My car is a 1964 1/2 convertible with white interior and top. Trim code 42. Dearborn built in July

Mike

[Murf]

I used SMS material on a trim code "68B" 65 mustang deluxe interior rehab.  TMI covers looked nowhere near the light green material used by ford nor did the white material in the seat covers either.  The Ford material was more of a "pearl" color and the light green had an iridescent shine to it that did not exist in the TMI material.  The folks at TMI sewed up my SMS supplied material including the olive colored material used in the "pony" part of the seats and they look wonderful.  So I guess it depends upon the color you need.  The ready made TMI in no way resembled the correct color and sheen, the SMS material was an excellent match.  Not an inexpensive way to get seat upholstery, but the end result was worth the effort and expense in the case of that particular color.  One other member on this forum had the same covers made and I think he will give the same opinion. 

[mgh]

Thanks! That is kind of what I was expecting to hear.

[TLea]

Is this Mike Herman from San Diego?

[rockhouse66]

I used SMS material on a trim code "68B" 65 mustang deluxe interior rehab.  TMI covers looked nowhere near the light green material used by ford nor did the white material in the seat covers either.  The Ford material was more of a "pearl" color and the light green had an iridescent shine to it that did not exist in the TMI material.  The folks at TMI sewed up my SMS supplied material including the olive colored material used in the "pony" part of the seats and they look wonderful.  So I guess it depends upon the color you need.  The ready made TMI in no way resembled the correct color and sheen, the SMS material was an excellent match.  Not an inexpensive way to get seat upholstery, but the end result was worth the effort and expense in the case of that particular color.  One other member on this forum had the same covers made and I think he will give the same opinion.

Yes!  John made this happen and I rode along.  The results are stunning.  The SMS material used was nothing like the standard materials used in the repros.

[CharlesTurner]

On the convertible sun visors, I'd recommend dying an original set in nice condition.  I don't think the convertible ones can be re-covered like coupe/fastback ones.

For the boot cover, I'd suggest acquiring enough NOS white material to have one made and check with some local trim shops.  You'd need to provide them an original boot to use as a pattern.  Might save a few bucks over SMS.  I had one done like this before, turned out really nice.  Back of the vinyl was even GS marked and date coded.

Rear well liner would be the same as the boot cover.  If you have an original, use it as a pattern to have one made with NOS vinyl.

I'm curious if SMS can make the thin early style door panels.  I was able to acquire 'slick back' NOS vinyl from them, but did not trust them to make door panels with it.  TMI said it wouldn't work for some reason also... although it is the exact same material used originally.

[ChrisV289]

SMS color on the interior code 28 (ivy gold) is an exact match to my original seats. I’ve gotten one roll from them to do the inner rockers and thinking about ordering more to have if and when I redo the seats. None of the other vendors do not match

[CharlesTurner]

Keep in mind that there are different "weight" vinyl.  The vinyl used on the rockers is what was referred to as 'trim weigh'.  Seats were a bit thicker backing.  When ordering from SMS, this is something to ask about.