[jeff]

I would like to order a kit from Hampton Coach for my 38 Special 2 door sedan. (model 48) They list a 38 Special 4 door sedan and a 37 Special 2 door sedan.

I maintain that the 38 fabric and basic stitch pattern can be used with the 37 dimensions to make a kit correct for my 38. Hampton Coach says to do my research, then we can talk.

Can anyone snap some pictures of the door panels and rear seat panels on a 38 two door sedan and a 37 two door sedan?

Thanks,

Jeff

[Mark Shaw]

I have an unrestored 38 two door sedan and will be glad to post photos....

[Mark Shaw]

The seat belts are not original, but everything else is...

[Mark Shaw]

More photos

[jeff]

Thanks Mark,

Those pics are great. Now, if anyone has similar pics they can post of a 37 2 door, maybe I can put together a story to convince Hampton Coach - they should then have a new item for their catalog.

Wouldn't you think the two model years are the same, as far as dimensions are concerned? All Hampton Coach has to do is apply the '38 fabrics and stitching pattern to the '37 dimensional patterns and we've got it. Right?

Someone let me know if I am going down the wrong path here.

Jeff

[suchan]

I bought a pair of front door panels from Hampton Coach for my 38-41. The instructions indicated that I would need to drill about fifteen 3/8" holes in each door to install them, and the panels didn't fit that well. When I contacted Hampton Coach/LeBaron Bonney for advice, I was told the people that knew anything about GM upholstery kits no longer worked there, and all they could do was fax me the same instructions that came with the panels. They charge $3500-$4000 for one of their "off the rack" kits. There's no telling what they might charge for a custom kit. Armed with photos of original upholstery, you might consider getting quotes from local upholsterers for doing your interior from scratch. It might save you money, and certainly will save time.

[bobj49f2]

I have a '37 four door that is a long way from upholstering but I think I'm going to go with someone local. I checked with LeBaron and got a quote of over $5000 just for the kit. I'd have to hire some to install it which could be another $1000. My neighbor had most of the interior of his '34 Ford done by a local guy for around $2500. The Ford is a little smaller and he had about 2/3 of the interior done but I figure it might cost $5000, at most for the guy to do the entire interior, including labor and materials. I'm not going for a points winning correct car but I will be having a nice interior installed.

[ewing]

Mark, not to stray off topic here ( although I am !!). What kind of steering wheel is on the car? is it a later model wheel? I've never seen one like that on a 38...
Just curious, as I have a Canadian built 38 4 dr with a wooden appearance on the wheel . The old 'plastic' was rotten, and crumbled when I grabbed it. So I replaced it with an ivory coloured steering wheel from a US built 38 parts car I found.
Were there optional steering wheels in 38?

Jeff my apologies for the thread diversion.

My 38 4 dr door panel pattern is the same as the 2 dr pattern. I have also heard that the LeBaron Bonney kits can be a lot of fitting ( for what its worth).
I did get a kit from Jenkins for my 47 Buick and it was superb in materials, fit and finish, and I ( an amateur for sure) installed the entire interior and it looks professionally done. Maybe Jenkins makes a 37 Buick 2 dr kit?

[jeff]

No problem on the thread "highjack". You are bringing up another topic of interest for me. The Buicks had an optional Banjo steering wheel, with ivory plastic handle. Most Buicks must have come with this option, since I have never seen one without it. Mark may have the standard steering wheel.

My banjo wheel (with a temporary vinyl padded rim from AutoZone) offers a bit of flex. I guess this was intentional??? It may have been designed not just for looks, but to offer a bit of damping to any vibrations coming through the steering shaft. I would almost prefer the stiffer standard wheel - if ever I could find one in nice shape.

Regarding the tips on Hampton Coach vs Jenkins vs local shop. I started looking into prices over the weekend, WOW. IF I pay that much, it needs to be right - no coaching them through how to make it correctly. That puts the burden on me, and if it doesn't fit right, I have a lot of money out for a bad solution.

I'll check Jenkins.

Thanks,
Jeff

[Mark Shaw]

Yup, my steering wheel is the standard plain Jane....