Topic: New upholstery

[68 GT]

Does anyone have any advice on where to buy new seat padding and upholstery for our 67 coupe? I?ve heard that people are having a hard time getting upholstery for some reason. Thought that maybe I?d better go ahead and get some ordered in case it has a long lead time. The Marti Reort says the cars interior was 2B Blue Vinyl Standard Bucket Seats.

[carlite65]

i would give NPD a call.

[J_Speegle]

Only a couple of suppliers of things like this if I recall correctly (upholstery kits rather than custom made) so your left choosing based on service and suppler of the reseller. One thing to consider it that larger resellers may get their supplies quicker and may have more leverage if a problem arises. Would not suggest to base the choice solely on price.

[krelboyne]

I believe that TMI products, is the main supplier of reproduction upholstery to the Mustang community.

[68 GT]

Looks like I can order from TMI Products. NPD also sells TMI upholstery, but when you mentioned larger resellers, do you mean buy straight from TMI? NPD looks a little cheaper for the same product.

[J_Speegle]

Looks like I can order from TMI Products. NPD also sells TMI upholstery, but when you mentioned larger resellers, do you mean buy straight from TMI? NPD looks a little cheaper for the same product.

In times where supply chain can get in the way or other times where there can be production issues I would go with a reseller. They may have the product in stock or already have an order for a number of kits while if you contact the company directly you would be placed in line after them. As mentioned they have more leverage that you would given their purchasing power. They may also be able to offer it at a lower price since they will be purchasing from the supplier on a volume basis or might be overstocked on some kits.

[ruppstang]

As far as the foam cushions I would strongly suggest that you buy the best quality foam. The cheaper foam is hard as a rock. Better yet clean and repair your original foam, if at all possible. It is better than any you can buy.

[68 GT]

Thanks for the replies! Would you suggest a good quality foam fromTMI? Seems like NPD is a good place to order TMI products from. On a side note, what is considered an early model vs a late model year Mustang? What is the cut off point for model years early and late? I?ve often seen people saying, or asking, if their Mustang is an early or late year build.

[J_Speegle]

........................... On a side note, what is considered an early model vs a late model year Mustang? What is the cut off point for model years early and late? I?ve often seen people saying, or asking, if their Mustang is an early or late year build.

We often use "early" and "late" to describe running changes and in those examples it normally just identifies which came first. As for early and late build IMHO an earlier car could be anything built before mid year or after the middle of the production year while others may use the beginning of the year to divide the year in two halves. For myself, when I use the term "early" for a build time I'm referring to cars built from the start of production to maybe November. While late is after May or so the following year. Isn't scientific or mathematical I know Sure each of our definitions will be slightly or more different

Like so many things in this hobby (matching numbers, restored, concours, original) you often have to ask what the writer or speaker means by that term to get a clear idea of what they mean. 

[ruppstang]

Thanks for the replies! Would you suggest a good quality foam fromTMI? Seems like NPD is a good place to order TMI products from. On a side note, what is considered an early model vs a late model year Mustang? What is the cut off point for model years early and late? I?ve often seen people saying, or asking, if their Mustang is an early or late year build.

Yes, I would recommend NPD's best quality foam.

[J_Speegle]

I believe that TMI products, is the main supplier of reproduction upholstery to the Mustang community.

Doesn't Distinctive Industries not still make and supply kits? Seem to still see them advertised

[68 GT]

Hmmm?.. I?ll have to check them out! Thanks Jeff!

[Flade]

Distinctive and TMI are the Primary suppliers for Mustang upholstery.   I compared both When I did my 68.  Neither was perfect but TMI was closer to original.  I also found the repro Foam was terrible.  I reused my original foam and added an additional layer of foam over it.  Very pleased  with the results.  I did a detailed thread on it at VMF

https://www.vintage-mustang.com/threads/68-seat-reupholstery.691825/#post-4787161