72 Centurion Trim Kit

[GS455_65]

have posted on V8 board re suppliers of trim kits for 72's. all trim vendors I have found dont list for the larger Buicks.
Have just purchased a trim kit locally for my 1996 Commodore Wagon (230K) and spoken to this supplier re doing a kit for the Centurion as the vynl is starting to crack.
The cost for my wagon with front buckets w/headrests and a split back rear bench was AUD595 (USD476) in a two tone grey/light blue. Classic Industries quote $379.95 for a 72 Impala, but not available in white or with the center arm rest. Does anyone know of a vendor that does a 72 Kit:beers:

[Smartin]

I've never seen anyone who offers seat covers for our cars in a kit. Although, there are usually several local upholstery shops that can do the work, as long as you know what you want.

[Centurion717273]

I agree with Adam that there are no kits available for these cars. A good local shop should be able to give you what you want. BUT, you will get what you pay for, if you just want a nice looking interior and don't care about following the original design, etc, then you can have it done on the cheap. but if you want it done right, then it will cost you some really good money. Many go with one type of vinyl overall instead of the proper different style vinyls used on the seat backs, sitting area, and sides. If you want it done right you need to do some homework. Also, if your interiror is white, don't let a shop toss in a bright white interior, the proper color is far far down the white scale, again tear your interior apart, find an untouched area and match the color properly to do it right. Do it right the first time is my advise.

[1971centurion]

I can make originals(top quality) with original materials (ordering from a detroit body products match up book) or aftermarket vinyl that has the same grain. If your seat can be nicely taken apart and sent to me(just the covers) I can pattern them back as they were or when I get my 71 conv here I will be able to do 71 2dr seats. If you have a 4dr I would need the seats for pattern and I will be buying a 73 2dr soon that I will have to do the seats in so I will have 73. Does anyone know if the vinyl seat pattern is the same 71 to 73??? I do see there is a lot of time in reproducing the original vinyl seats as there is a lot of stitch work and layout.

[My3buicks]

No, the 73 is totally different.

When doing the 71/72 seats you will need to pay special attention to the vinyl in the actual seating area, it differs from vinyl used on the other parts of the seats and also used on lesser model Buicks. It is an expanded vinyl that mimics leather better than leather. Centurion717273 has some good info above.

If you are planning on doing this as a side business you may also want to purchase color and trim manuals for 71/72/73 Buicks so you have good information at your fingertips.

[1971centurion]

Thanks for the pics. Not a side business though. I own an auto Upholstery shop. I am aware of vinyl grains and love the original looks of these 71-76 gm cars. I do concourse restoration work(I can provide pics if needed). My work has been on overhaulin, two guys garage, and recently won sema most creative design and the pomona roadster show in pro touring class. None of those interiors were original interiors. I did just complete a restoration on a 58 eldorado brougham and it was very detailed (if you know the car).
I dont do these 71-76s much. Most people arent willing to spend more on their interior than they did on the car. LOL

[My3buicks]

I can make originals(top quality) with original materials (ordering from a detroit body products match up book) or aftermarket vinyl that has the same grain. If your seat can be nicely taken apart and sent to me(just the covers) I can pattern them back as they were or when I get my 71 conv here I will be able to do 71 2dr seats. If you have a 4dr I would need the seats for pattern and I will be buying a 73 2dr soon that I will have to do the seats in so I will have 73. Does anyone know if the vinyl seat pattern is the same 71 to 73??? I do see there is a lot of time in reproducing the original vinyl seats as there is a lot of stitch work and layout.

What are you estimating it would cost on average to make up the various kits for our Centurions?

[1971centurion]

What are you estimating it would cost on average to make up the various kits for our Centurions?

In original materials they would be around $1500 to $2000. Some fabrics and vinyls are at $70 to $135 a yard(SMS original auto fabrics). If we can find an aftermarket vinyl in the right color that has the madrid and elk grain it would save $600 to $800 on the price. The 4drs would be on the cheaper side of that estimate because they are a lot less time consuming.

[My3buicks]

That sounds very reasonable ! !

Would/will you be able to still find the expanded vinyl that is used in the inserts and seat bottoms? It's more than just a different grain but for lack of a better term, it's cushiony.

If someone is doing a sedan and want to go with the original fabric it would also be closer the $1500/$2000 range.

Hopefully this will help some Centurion restorers and give them a better option than having a generic (Chevy like) interior put in them.

[Centurion]

I'm very interested in this. The original seats in my car were sunburned by the hot, Eastern Oregon sunshine. During the late-1980's, I ordered the Elk-grain and Madrid-grain vinyl from SMS, but the best local upholsterer insisted that the vinyl was incorrect because the needles in his machine would not allow him to sew the vinyl. The backing was too thick. (I've heard this vinyl described as the "cast-iron" interior.) Unfortunately, the car's seats were totally torn apart, so I reluctantly shipped the vinyl back to SMS and agreed to a substitute that was close in color and grain. It looks very nice and most would assume that it's original and correct, but it's not and it disappoints me every time I get in the car. (The door panels, carpeting, and ribbed vinyl on the front seat backs are still original.)

Obviously, I would love to have something that is an exact and correct reproduction of the beautiful original interiors in these cars.

Another need is for someone to reproduce the die-cut mesh for the rear package shelf for the Centurions' closed body styles.

[1971centurion]

That sounds very reasonable ! !

Would/will you be able to still find the expanded vinyl that is used in the inserts and seat bottoms? It's more than just a different grain but for lack of a better term, it's cushiony.

If someone is doing a sedan and want to go with the original fabric it would also be closer the $1500/$2000 range.

Hopefully this will help some Centurion restorers and give them a better option than having a generic (Chevy like) interior put in them.

We back the boxings in 1/4 inch foam and the inserts in 1/2 foam. A lot of people dont back the boxings because the factory doesnt but we over restore in that area because it makes the boxing soo much smoother looking and last longer. The inserts which are elk from the factory came with a 1/2inch channel pleat foam that is not available. We still put the inserts into the 1/2inch foam so it is cushiony.

The price of the fabric and if the sedan has a fold down armrest or armrest's' is the factor between what side of the 1500 to 2000

[1971centurion]

I'm very interested in this. The original seats in my car were sunburned by the hot, Eastern Oregon sunshine. During the late-1980's, I ordered the Elk-grain and Madrid-grain vinyl from SMS, but the best local upholsterer insisted that the vinyl was incorrect because the needles in his machine would not allow him to sew the vinyl. The backing was too thick. (I've heard this vinyl described as the "cast-iron" interior.) Unfortunately, the car's seats were totally torn apart, so I reluctantly shipped the vinyl back to SMS and agreed to a substitute that was close in color and grain. It looks very nice and most would assume that it's original and correct, but it's not and it disappoints me every time I get in the car. (The door panels and carpeting are still original.)

Obviously, I would love to have something that is an exact and correct reproduction of the beautiful original interiors in these cars.

Another need is for someone to reproduce the die-cut mesh for the rear package shelf for the Centurions' closed body styles.

The local guy you dealt with must have had a small sewing machine which isnt smart if you do anything more than household stuff or garnets. The material gets thick when you make your own welt for the seat opposed to original welt cord. You end up with the thickness of 4 layers and 2 of foam which ends up getting thicker again when you hit an intersection. We use West German Pfaff sewing machines that are industrial with high lifts on them. One is standard and the other is a double needle for french stitch(makes life easier). The original material is great to work with especially because its so tough.

[Centurion]

All Centurions had the front seat center armrest and the "notch-back" style seats. Four door hardtops -- at least in 1971 and 1972 -- also had fold down center armrests in the rear seat.

http://photos.aaca.org/files/3/0/6/2/9/randycenturionv.jpg

[1971centurion]

All Centurions had the front seat center armrest and the "notch-back" style seats. Four door hardtops -- at least in 1971 and 1972 -- also had fold down center armrests in the rear seat.

http://photos.aaca.org/files/3/0/6/2/9/randycenturionv.jpg

Yeah, with front and rear fold downs the sedan hardtops would be around $1800. I just looked through the 71 trim and color book and I really like the buick styling. Beautiful work from the factory. I think the riviera seats on page 36-37 are some of the best looking seats ever. It makes me want a riviera.

http://boattail-riviera-by-buick.com/library/dealership%20pubs/1971%20buick%20dealership%20color%20&%20trim%20%20binder/index.html

[SBRMD]

This thread is very interesting to me too.

What would you charge to reupholster just the rear seat (bottom and back) of a '71 LeSabre sedan? Straight bench, no arm rest...

Also...interested in doing a '49 Roadmaster Sedanette, as original?

BTW...where are you located?

[1971centurion]

This thread is very interesting to me too.

What would you charge to reupholster just the rear seat (bottom and back) of a '71 LeSabre sedan? Straight bench, no arm rest...

Also...interested in doing a '49 Roadmaster Sedanette, as original?

BTW...where are you located?

Hello, is your Lesabre cloth or vinyl? Most likely $700 to $800. Original fabric is more expensive than vinyl. We are located in the Birmingham AL area. 205-216-3178

As for your Roadmaster, a full interior restoration in a car like that is around $12k to $15k. Thats carpet, headlining, windlace, door-kick-quarter panels and seats. The dr-kick-qp's most likely will have to be fully fabricated as the base boards warp and can not be recovered. If you could please send photos of the interior so we can see what you got. Priceuph@yahoo.com

We are currently working on a 1941 75 series fleetwood called the "Dutches" which belonged to King Edward. It was coached with some Buick/LaSalle options from earlier model years because The King liked Buicks(Is what Im hearing from the owner). The car is wool and will be running around $40k on interior alone. It even has silk curtains. It makes me want to find a 41 fleetwood. Beautiful car. I really like the 49 sedanettes too. I like the fastback look and the straight 8s are a joy to drive.

PS I will be picking up my 71 convertible tomorrow. Cant wait!!!

[SBRMD]

Wow, that's pretty shocking about the '49 interior....

The '71 LeSabre is cloth. Can you get all the fabric patterns for '71?

[1971centurion]

Wow, that's pretty shocking about the '49 interior....

The '71 LeSabre is cloth. Can you get all the fabric patterns for '71?

I can only check on availability. Most fabrics like that dont get bought up so there is a good chance.

I know the pricing is up there but there is no way to make a living charging less. Sad thing when I cant afford my own work but thats how it is paying rent's' and bill's' in two places along with insurances and taxes plus a wife with her hand out daily. Life is tough so we charge who we can and there is a line so we will eat tonight. It still seems like its pay check to pay check though after paying for classic auto parts and expenses. Hobbys can run you into the ground if your not carefull.