Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

I sprung the cash for and ordered new pre-made door panels for the Patrician earlier today from SMS Auto Fabrics. The samples that they sent me appeared to duplicate original materials pretty exactly. Anyone who has used these have any pointers or advice? I have absolutely zero experience with this sort of thing. I have plenty of time. The lady said that I will probably get them toward the end of the summer.

It took SMS a year and a month to do my friends set. They had excuses every month. With that said, they are absolutly perfect!

As far as I know, you just install the clips, and pop them on the door.

Best of luck,
Jim

It took me 2 years and one incorrect run of material to get the correct fabric for my 56 Caribbean from SMS. Dozens of promises on delivery dates were not kept; yet when it did finally arrive the quality was OK (not great) but otherwsie it did match the original material very accurately.

Ah, yes, pretty much as I expected when told, "towards the end of summer," but if they're right when I get 'em I can put up with some delay. Mine aren't in that bad shape anyway, except for the driver's door which is pretty much wrecked. Mostly stains that I've tried to get out using most of the conventional methods and wisdom with varying degrees of success. From the sample materials that they sent it appears that they may have done Trim code 60 ('55) before. I'll start hounding them in my usual tactful, diplomatic fashion around the end of August.

Just out of idle curiosity does anyone know the correct terminology for the cloth with the metallic thread designs in it?

Believe I read it was referred to as nylon metalasse with an accent mark. According to a dictionary means a fabric woven in such a way as to look padded or quilted but is not. It can have accent threads of contrasting materials which is what I always thought the metalasse meant--so learned something.

HH56, your knowledge and expertise in all things automotive never fails to generate admiration. Thanks. Contributors of such wide and varying experience and knowledge are what has made this website such a resounding success.

When we first started to see this stuff in cars back in the early fifties I thought it was about as uncomfortable as some of the more fashionable furniture that my mother used to be addicted to but, some fifty-odd years later and in comparison to what one sees in more modern vehicles, I have to marvel at its durability and resistance to abuse. That's probably why it costs $95 the yard.

Loyd, thanks but you give me more credit than due. I've been know to think one car, talk another, thoroughly confuse the two, and all involved. Memory is such a fleeting thing.

Also believe that fabric also has been referred to as a jacquard or some such--but maybe that more because that's the type loom woven on rather than fabric style.

You guy's should give SMS a break, they're working as fast as they can!: