Re: [AMC-list] Recover seats, carpet and convertible top

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I've had goo luck with Autocraft (http://www.customseatcovers.com/) covers. They are made slightly oversize to fit over the original material, but can be used with the original material removed. They recommend you add some 1/4" foam (available at cloth and some hobby shops) if removing the original cover. I've done it both ways, used three different sets from them over the years. They will make covers from original material that you send (contact them about that!), but have a good selection of period style covers that will look "right" in most AMCs. For a good driver that's fine and inexpensive. Don't know what they charge for using your material. These guys make a lot of the kits sold under other names.

The best carpet I've got came from Mac McCoy. It's cut and sewn, not molded. Molded carpet is hard to find for most AMCs, I think it's only made for Javelins and AMXs now -- not enough demand for others. Mac will send you a video on loan if you like. He charges for it, then refunds you when it's returned. Might have to dig out a VHS tape player though! I don't know if he's had it converted to DVD. Check with him at www.forramblersonly.blogspot.com. As the web address indicates, he only does this for Ramblers and AMCs. He's been in this business for quite a while.

I don't have a lot of experience with convertible tops. They can be hard to get installed right, you just have to be careful as it goes on. Nearly all of them will "puff up" going down the road, especially the older ones. It's not a question of correct installation, it's just the overall design. Late model convertible tops are made of a thicker insulated material that can't be put on the old frames made for the thinner stuff.

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Date: Sat, 19 May 2012 16:02:48 -0700
From: "Ken"<kowens@xxxxxxxxx>

Hi:
Does anyone have any experience with any company that makes seat cover kits.  I've found a couple online but seeking more input.  (AutomotiveInteriors.com, SMS, Original Auto Interiors, Fryer's Auto Upholstery (no answer to emails) Kantor (didn't like vinyl-too thin plus no real options in colors)  Open to suggestions for vendors that make kits.  (Also open to my purchasing marine vinyl for the covers to make the kit if necessary)    Taking the seats out, putting in new foam, padding, appears to be straight forward as well as installing seat cover kits.  Installing the interior carpet also appears to be doable for most handy people.  Any experience with this project and advice would be appreciated.

The local upholster here in the Palm Springs, CA area wants $1100 to recover the front buckets and the rear bench seat in my 66 AMC Ambassador 990 convertible (removal, rebuilt seats, vinyl and labor to recover and reinstall) .  He is also asking $475.00 for the carpet but I'm not sure exactly what carpet is supposed to be in that model vehicle as the carpet was removed when I purchased the vehicle.  Has anyone purchased carpet online with good results?

Also looked online for a replacement convertible top.  Many people offer the replacement top but using the old glass window does not seem to be an option that I have located.  I'm not sure I'm experienced enough to do the top installation.  Having a top installed appears to be 650-1100 so far.  Instruction sounds simple but I do not want to see the top in a couple of years looking like it's inflated like a balloon.

Thanks,
Ken

--
Frank Swygert
Editor - American Motors Cars Magazine
www.amc-mag.com

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