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FlatRacer, aka BarrelBack
08-09-2013, 01:08 PM
Is Built-Rite out of business for good, or did they sell their operation to a new owner? In any case, I need a rear seat bottom cushion for my '67 18' 2+3. It's brittle and cracking, but the rest of the interior is still very supple and in excellent shape for its age, so obviously, I'd like to find a place that can match the material and construction of just the one cushion.

Eric

Carl C
08-09-2013, 01:15 PM
I got a good deal from Donzi Direct. I also bought a rear seat bottom only. The price blew away those of a former site advertiser.... I don't know if they're doing the old stuff though.

silverghost
08-09-2013, 09:31 PM
It might be tough to match the color of a 1967 seat due to sun fade and material grain texture etc.

New proper correct style seats are very expensive.

I believe Bilt-Rite only wishes to make custom carpet sets now ?
There are a number of old threads here that talk about Bilt-Rite ~~~~try a forum search above.
Bilt-Rite always made a very high quality Donzi interior product.
Their pleated wrap-around benchseat backs were and still are the best~~hands down !

knots2u (Bob) ,who is a forum member here, owns Bilt-Rite
You may want to contact him via this Donzi forum for more information on who would build you a correct style seat bottom.

.
Another idea~~
Perhapps someone has some old usable seat bottoms sitting around after a restoration in your correct color ?
This might be another option for you ?

What color benchseat bottom are you looking for ?

biggiefl
08-09-2013, 10:50 PM
I have a guy in Bradenton, FL Not only will he duplicate but he has custom embroidery as well. Let me know!

Jraysray
08-10-2013, 04:49 AM
They used to advertise on here

gcarter
08-10-2013, 05:57 AM
Bob (knots2you) is no longer doing carpet. He did the grey carpet under the foredeck, but that may have been the last he did.
He had previously sold the upholstery business and was only doing carpet, but that has now ended.

Carl C
08-10-2013, 06:21 AM
They used to advertise on here

Ppi? Not sure who that is but not who I was referring to. Another site sponsor did interior work but the quote was very high and it was to recover my existing seat bottom. Donzi Direct sold me a brand new seat bottom complete for quite a bit less money.

Sounds like Biggiefl has you "covered". :)

mattyboy
08-10-2013, 07:48 AM
PPI did have a banner here some time back and I think was doing new classic interiors for donzi.

George, I know Bilt Rite stopped doing interiors and that part of the business was for sale I wasn't aware it sold do we know who purchased it?

gcarter
08-10-2013, 08:37 AM
George, I know Bilt Rite stopped doing interiors and that part of the business was for sale I wasn't aware it sold do we know who purchased it?

Not a clue Matty, but I got the impression, at one time, that Bob had a timed non compete agreement and would some day start again. That was probably my imagination, but it certainly never happened.

mattyboy
08-10-2013, 08:56 AM
Bilt rite did awesome work the original owners then Bob. that business has all the patterns to most of the boats that were produced on 188th st donzi, magnum, cig.

It is hard to believe that if there are new owners that they have not made themselves known on this or any other of the forums there are quite a few restorations going on at this time.

I had the last skisporter interior bilt rite Bob made it was a work of art, he also went that extra mile for all of his customers making sure it was right. I saw him track down inca gold vinyl out on the left coast to match an existing interior.

IF anyone has info please post it up.

Jraysray
08-10-2013, 01:51 PM
http://www.ppi-fl.com/index.htm

https://www.facebook.com/PREMIERPERFORMANCEINTERIORS?ref=nf

No endorsement here just who I was thinking about.

Greg Guimond
08-10-2013, 07:34 PM
Bob was the best without a doubt. There are several shops that can do very high quality work, but it would depend where you (and the boat) are actually located. You really need to bring them the boat to have the best outcome. Top shelf fabricators are located in Texas, Arizona, and two in Florida. Hope that helps.

gcarter
08-10-2013, 09:12 PM
There's a shop about 2 miles from my business who's specialty is hot rods.
I know he's duplicated at least two Donzi Classics at pretty reasonable prices.
I guess you just have to find someone you can work with.

joseph m. hahnl
08-11-2013, 07:34 AM
Seems pointless to bring you boat all over the country to have a seat made. When you can buy a factory direct replacement out of the box ,from Donzi Direct:kingme:


https://www.donzidirect.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/190x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/d/o/donzi_oem_upholstery_-_16_classic_l-seat-_aft_bottom_cushion_1.jpg (https://www.donzidirect.com/upholstery/16-classic-upholstery-l-seat.html)https://www.donzidirect.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/190x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/d/o/donzi_oem_upholstery_-_16-18-22_classic_aft_bottom_cushion_2.jpg (https://www.donzidirect.com/upholstery/16-classic-upholstery-2-2.html)

Carl C
08-11-2013, 08:10 AM
Seems pointless to bring you boat all over the country to have a seat made. When you can buy a factory direct replacement out of the box ,from Donzi Direct:kingme:


https://www.donzidirect.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/190x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/d/o/donzi_oem_upholstery_-_16_classic_l-seat-_aft_bottom_cushion_1.jpg (https://www.donzidirect.com/upholstery/16-classic-upholstery-l-seat.html)https://www.donzidirect.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/190x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/d/o/donzi_oem_upholstery_-_16-18-22_classic_aft_bottom_cushion_2.jpg (https://www.donzidirect.com/upholstery/16-classic-upholstery-2-2.html)

Yup. The product is perfect and the prices are good. So it looks like they do offer older seats?

Greg Guimond
08-11-2013, 08:19 AM
Seems pointless to bring you boat all over the country to have a seat made. When you can buy a factory direct replacement out of the box ,from Donzi Direct:kingme:

I can't imagine Donzi Direct will be able to match an older 1967, slightly faded seat that could also have a different stitch pattern and vinyl. To me driving two hours to bring the boat to right shop is well worth it so they can eyeball the remainder of the interior.

mattyboy
08-11-2013, 08:36 AM
donzi direct is a good option and if I had a newer post 90's classic would give them a call. I do know they have done some of the older classics that had an existing interior for that customer.

the pics joe posted show a sweet 16 and probably a 16 classic both post 90's boats the 16 skisporter would be laid out with the seating totally reversed not sure they have that.

not sure the 18 classic and the 18 barrelback seats lay out the same dimensions they might just not sure.


I found a guy by me who does great work and comes highly recommended so the hornet interior might spend the winter with him.

joseph m. hahnl
08-11-2013, 12:23 PM
Seems pointless to bring you boat all over the country to have a seat made. When you can buy a factory direct replacement out of the box ,from Donzi Direct:kingme:


https://www.donzidirect.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/190x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/d/o/donzi_oem_upholstery_-_16_classic_l-seat-_aft_bottom_cushion_1.jpg (https://www.donzidirect.com/upholstery/16-classic-upholstery-l-seat.html)https://www.donzidirect.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/190x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/d/o/donzi_oem_upholstery_-_16-18-22_classic_aft_bottom_cushion_2.jpg (https://www.donzidirect.com/upholstery/16-classic-upholstery-2-2.html)
OOPS!!!!!!:embarasse



it's an 18


https://www.donzidirect.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/d/o/donzi_oem_upholstery_-_16-18-22_classic_aft_bottom_cushion_2_1.jpg (https://www.donzidirect.com/upholstery/18-classic-upholstery.html)

Carl C
08-12-2013, 01:07 PM
I was digging through my box of boat papers looking for something and I found the invoice for my new rear cushion. It was ordered from Donzi Direct but was drop-shipped from PPI!

Jraysray
08-13-2013, 11:39 AM
Small world

FlatRacer, aka BarrelBack
08-14-2013, 06:36 PM
Thanks for the responses, guys. I'll be calling PPI in the morning.

Eric

Greg Guimond
08-14-2013, 06:41 PM
The two high level shops in Florida are PPI and Fineline Marine Interiors. You might want to check them both out. Good Luck.

FlatRacer, aka BarrelBack
08-14-2013, 07:45 PM
I also sent a PM to Built-Rite Bob. Bob, if you're monitoring this thread, please check your PMs.

Eric

FlatRacer, aka BarrelBack
08-14-2013, 07:54 PM
The rest of the interior is so supple (only a couple of small hard areas, but no cracks) that I can't believe it's original. The previous owner did work at a Donzi dealership in Lake George for a time. Maybe he replaced the interior. The top of the back seat bottom cushion got so hard and brittle that it cracked really bad. I could believe that was the original cushion since it feels so different from the rest. Maybe the new cushion was lost and he had the old one in reserve just in case(?)
In any case, whoever does the work is going get the old cushion so they can match up the colors as best they can. The seat is an ivory color and the piping is a mustardish looking gold.

Eric

mattyboy
08-14-2013, 08:15 PM
Eric

what is your hull number? probably inca gold on the gold color, if you get me the hull number I maybe able to help you on the colors, I know i had your hull number but I think that was on the laptop that just imploded on me.

mattyboy
08-14-2013, 08:24 PM
never mind I found it hull 136 to pilot knob white and inca gold the interior piping was most likely inca gold to match the inga gold in the hull color the ivory may be an off white or it could be white that is showing the effects of 45 plus years of uv exposure

knots2u
08-14-2013, 10:49 PM
OMG, Inca Gold! Memories of Scott Pearson's "Bird Boat" come to mind. Inca gold was a GM Pontiac color, try Originalauto.com or another company that has NOS vinyl for cars. The bad news is you will need about 3 yards ($40-$60/yard) of material to cut (2) 1 1/4" strips from for the welt on your seat, the good news is you will have enough material left over to do the entire interior welt at another time. I'll check my notes for the correct white for early Donzi's, back then Naugahyde was the only game in town. Josh@DonziDirect should be able to get the bottom seat for you, all 18's share the same bottom, it's the two upper cushions that have changed over the years; early models had the V notch at top of cushions, later models delete the notch. Try looking at the inside of the material on either upright cushion, hopefully it will have a readable naugahyde logo and color name or number.
Make sure to get a sample of each color before you buy any yardage!


Give me a little bit to find my notes, I'll be back.
Bob

FlatRacer, aka BarrelBack
08-15-2013, 07:30 PM
Yes, Inca Gold seems to fit the description. If those are the original pieces (yes the back cushions have the V notch), I'm amazed at what great shape they're in! I guess the short boating seasons in the northeast coupled with proper storage when the boat's not in use can do wonders.
Other than the top of the rear seat bottom, only a couple areas (6" maybe) of the pleats on the top of the seat backs and on the front of the bucket cushions are starting to get hard, but they haven't cracked. Is there a vinyl treatment that might soften these areas up to prevent future cracks?

Thanks guys!
Eric

knots2u
08-15-2013, 09:47 PM
You mean something like an anti-viagra? No

Naugahyde Adobe white is most likely the best replacement for your seat, it was originally Tempera white but that has been discontined. Be sure to get samples before committing to buying yardage. You might consider buying the entire rear bench and save the upright cushions until you really need them.

Good luck,
Bob

superhatz
08-17-2013, 07:43 PM
Man, I would love to find some original Inca Gold vinyl for my 18...the interior is original and pretty dry. Bob, I like your idea of looking for a 'part number'...

fegettes
08-17-2013, 08:50 PM
I got a quote from PPI, maybe two years ago, for $7300.00 for my Sport. I thought it was kinda high.

Steve

joseph m. hahnl
08-18-2013, 07:23 AM
OMG, Inca Gold! Memories of Scott Pearson's "Bird Boat" come to mind. Inca gold was a GM Pontiac color, try Originalauto.com or another company that has NOS vinyl for cars. The bad news is you will need about 3 yards ($40-$60/yard) of material to cut (2) 1 1/4" strips from for the welt on your seat, the good news is you will have enough material left over to do the entire interior welt at another time. I'll check my notes for the correct white for early Donzi's, back then Naugahyde was the only game in town. Josh@DonziDirect should be able to get the bottom seat for you, all 18's share the same bottom, it's the two upper cushions that have changed over the years; early models had the V notch at top of cushions, later models delete the notch. Try looking at the inside of the material on either upright cushion, hopefully it will have a readable naugahyde logo and color name or number.
Make sure to get a sample of each color before you buy any yardage!


Give me a little bit to find my notes, I'll be back.
Bob Does that mean the upper cushions fit they're just a different style of cushion:sombrero::propeller:? My lower is shot also uppers are fair as are the buckets. My goal is eventually replace it all and offsetting the cost by selling the original.


:shocking:It would be cool:cool: if you can get it cheaper from PPI by cutting out the middle man . But I suspect that Donzi buying such large volume ,would get lower cost across the boards:crossfing:. Would be interesting to see who's more reasonable :doh:

Carl C
08-18-2013, 11:31 AM
Joe, I think it is cheaper through Donzi Direct as many manufacturers don't want to undercut their dealers who are the ones who bring them business. Oh, and if anyone doesn't know, I believe that "knots2U" is Bob from Biltrite. (as pointed out by Silverghost in post 3!)

Greg Guimond
08-18-2013, 11:42 AM
Correct, Bob is BiltRite, the "man" when it came to Donzi interiors. I got the last 16 Baby interior Bob ever built for The Mule before he shut down. It is really cool that he checks in to answer questions on the site. I'm also sure he will have a little opinion on $7,200 for an entire interior from PPI.

Carl C
08-18-2013, 12:52 PM
www.matworks.com (http://www.matworks.com) makes custom boat carpet. They will send you a template kit which you mark and cut to size and send back. They can also do custom embroidering on the carpet. I've used them and recommend them. Not cheap but top shelf carpet and work. http://www.matworks.com/cockpit.htm

knots2u
08-18-2013, 08:52 PM
$7200?!?! I could have sold you 5 interiors and you would have had money left over to fill the gas tank with premium fuel at any marina!

The newer style upright cushions will fit, although you will have to add two snaps at top center, no biggee.

BUIZILLA
08-19-2013, 06:50 AM
Bob.... that $7200 quote was for a 235 Sport Deckboat, not a Classic.... there is a TON more cushioning in those as you know.... $3500-$4000 probably wouldn't have been out of line though if doing it from scratch...

Greg Guimond
08-19-2013, 11:23 AM
Bob.... that $7200 quote was for a 235 Sport Deckboat, not a Classic.... there is a TON more cushioning in those as you know.... $3500-$4000 probably wouldn't have been out of line though if doing it from scratch...

A complete 22 Classic interior from either PPI or Fineline at $4,000 shipped with tax would be reasonable if that included a different color piping. Both those shops have very good high end reputations.

BUIZILLA
08-19-2013, 11:27 AM
A complete 22 Classic interior from either PPI or Fineline at $4,000 shipped with tax would be reasonable if that included a different color piping. Both those shops have very good high end reputations. my 3500-4000 comment was aimed toward the 235 pricing, gut tells me the 22 interior would be 1000-1500 less than that

Greg Guimond
08-19-2013, 11:36 AM
That low a price from PPI or Fineline would be a shocker Jim. If you are correct that would be a very pleasant surprise and remember my $4,000 for a 22 C included the tax and shipping.

joseph m. hahnl
08-19-2013, 06:15 PM
Donzi 22 Classic OEM Replacement Upholstery Kithttps://www.donzidirect.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/190x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/d/o/donzi_parts_-_classic_upholstery_white-blue_3_2.jpg (https://www.donzidirect.com/upholstery/22-classic-upholstery/donzi-22-classic-oem-replacement-upholstery-kit.html)

22 Classic complete factory replacement upholstery set. Your choice of colors.

$2,395.00

smokediver
08-20-2013, 09:28 AM
I had a local guy make my back seat cushions . I took him the original ones and he made all 3 with snaps and red piping for 600 bucks . I am really happy with the work and the price was hard to beat .

72Hornet
08-20-2013, 09:12 PM
What would you guys use for my all black 1968 18' classic. It is the original two front buckets with what I call the low profile buckets. The bottoms are beginning to split on the seams and the foam is shot, (Starting to crumble). I plan on either replacing or having my local guy do it as he is very adept at this. Please note that the boat is such a nice original boat, that I want to keep it as close to stock as is possible. Do the ones from Donzi Direct replace it all with new buckets? Unable to discern that from their web page. My front buckets will need new foam as will the rear stern seat, but they still seem stout frame wise. I am sure after we take them apart, that we will find more. After 45 years, I would expect that! Any comments are appreciated!

SanDogDewey
08-21-2013, 05:35 PM
What would you guys use for my all black 1968 18' classic. It is the original two front buckets with what I call the low profile buckets. The bottoms are beginning to split on the seams and the foam is shot, (Starting to crumble). I plan on either replacing or having my local guy do it as he is very adept at this. Please note that the boat is such a nice original boat, that I want to keep it as close to stock as is possible. Do the ones from Donzi Direct replace it all with new buckets? Unable to discern that from their web page. My front buckets will need new foam as will the rear stern seat, but they still seem stout frame wise. I am sure after we take them apart, that we will find more. After 45 years, I would expect that! Any comments are appreciated!

I'd do off-white with black piping. Like Smokediver, I had a local upholstery shop stitch mine up with marine grade vinyl and new foam with carpet for $900.

77028

Greg Guimond
08-21-2013, 08:38 PM
A couple of shots of work from Fineline Interiors ..........

knots2u
08-22-2013, 11:23 AM
Only thing I don't like about the current interiors is the use of the same bucket in all models.

These are the correct buckets.

77032 77033 77039

This is how your cushions should look when not in boat, the cushions have the curve built in, its not because of the cockpit. If they don't, they are not Bilt Rite.

77034 77037 77038

Greg Guimond
08-22-2013, 11:36 AM
Very helpful photos Bob, thanks for sharing. Curious, do you still have any 16 new style bucket seat shells hanging around?

knots2u
08-22-2013, 11:52 AM
Sorry no, at this point I'm not even sure where all the molds and patterns are.

Jraysray
08-22-2013, 03:21 PM
Of the original interior. Has anyone seen a decent alt interior in a classic outside of the shelbys? Did it look out of place?

roadtrip se
08-22-2013, 03:50 PM
Of the original interior. Has anyone seen a decent alt interior in a classic outside of the shelbys? Did it look out of place?

I've seen some awesome custom work out of PPI. Just don't expect it to be cheap, and don't look to get it over night. But it will be right. Great offseason project, before boat show season....

CHACHI
08-26-2013, 06:31 AM
Notice how the tuck and roll on the seat matches the T&R on the cushion?

Ken

fegettes
08-26-2013, 11:04 AM
I remember buying my Blackhawk when I was in California in 2005, and the rear seat needed reupholstering. I was able to get several estimates just for the rear seat, around $1300, and there were issues, couldn't get the right color piping, couldn't get exactly the right color fabric, etc.. And then I found Mitch's Stitches in San Luis Obispo, no issues at all, and a reasonable estimate, so he did all of the interior for $900 and in about three days. I was impressed, everything he did was perfect.

Steve

Conquistador_del_mar
08-26-2013, 11:56 AM
I remember buying my Blackhawk when I was in California in 2005, and the rear seat needed reupholstering. I was able to get several estimates just for the rear seat, around $1300, and there were issues, couldn't get the right color piping, couldn't get exactly the right color fabric, etc.. And then I found Mitch's Stitches in San Luis Obispo, no issues at all, and a reasonable estimate, so he did all of the interior for $900 and in about three days. I was impressed, everything he did was perfect.

Steve

Steve,
Finding a business like Mitch's seems to be getting much more difficult - at least where I live. Bill

Greg Guimond
08-28-2013, 08:06 PM
Steve, finding a business like Mitch's seems to be getting much more difficult - at least where I live. Bill


Bill, I think these guys are in your neck of the (very large) woods - www.sturgisdesigns.com (http://www.sturgisdesigns.com/)- they are easily the equal of PPI and Fineline. Provenance is the Left Coast.

DonziJosh
08-29-2013, 09:47 AM
Hey gang,

Sorry I missed this. Yes, the Donzi Classic interiors that we sell through DonziDirect.com are produced by PPI. In fact, we are now the exclusive retail supplier of PPI's Donzi Classic offerings. They have supplied the Donzi factory for many years, their parts are all cut on a digital cutter using original CAD files and are therefore very consistent, and they stand behind their work, so partnering with them was a natural fit for us. Additionally, they're local, so we personally inspect every piece of upholstery upon completion, putting an extra pair of eyes on every item before it ships. It's been a good partnership for us.

To see step-by-step how our upholstery is produced, and to see photos of some of the items we've produced for DonziDirect customers, check here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.185148274882144.47908.170683836328588&type=3

As explained in this thread, the bucket seats are different today, as they are now wood-free. Additionally, the aft seat backrests are slightly different, but since the coverage area is slightly larger, they do adapt to older boats and our customers have used them for boats going back to the 1960s. We have an original X-18 interior and can reproduce bucket seats with fiberglass shells.

Trying to match decades-old vinyl can be nearly impossible. However, should you find some Inca Gold in a warehouse somewhere and want us to produce your upholstery, we'll work out a reduced price to build your seats with customer-supplied material. Call us with your upholstery needs at 888.441.1614 or email info@donzidirect.com.

Josh

superhatz
08-29-2013, 01:06 PM
Thanks Josh...I appreciate what you do.

Aaron

Hilltopper
08-29-2013, 02:11 PM
Hey gang,

Sorry I missed this. Yes, the Donzi Classic interiors that we sell through DonziDirect.com are produced by PPI. In fact, we are now the exclusive retail supplier of PPI's Donzi Classic offerings. They have supplied the Donzi factory for many years, their parts are all cut on a digital cutter using original CAD files and are therefore very consistent, and they stand behind their work, so partnering with them was a natural fit for us. Additionally, they're local, so we personally inspect every piece of upholstery upon completion, putting an extra pair of eyes on every item before it ships. It's been a good partnership for us.

To see step-by-step how our upholstery is produced, and to see photos of some of the items we've produced for DonziDirect customers, check here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.185148274882144.47908.170683836328588&type=3

As explained in this thread, the bucket seats are different today, as they are now wood-free. Additionally, the aft seat backrests are slightly different, but since the coverage area is slightly larger, they do adapt to older boats and our customers have used them for boats going back to the 1960s. We have an original X-18 interior and can reproduce bucket seats with fiberglass shells.

Trying to match decades-old vinyl can be nearly impossible. However, should you find some Inca Gold in a warehouse somewhere and want us to produce your upholstery, we'll work out a reduced price to build your seats with customer-supplied material. Call us with your upholstery needs at 888.441.1614 or email info@donzidirect.com.

Josh

Hi All,

The new high back red rolled and pleated on the Facebook link are mine for my C-22 built for me last year and are typical of Josh's oversite and great relationship with PPI. Red was special color specified by me and sourced by Josh.

FlatRacer, aka BarrelBack
09-02-2013, 10:54 PM
Trying to match decades-old vinyl can be nearly impossible. However, should you find some Inca Gold in a warehouse somewhere and want us to produce your upholstery, we'll work out a reduced price to build your seats with customer-supplied material. Call us with your upholstery needs at 888.441.1614 or email info@donzidirect.com.

Josh

Thanks for the post, Josh. So, what I need is enough Inca Gold piping to build just the bottom rear seat cushion for an old 18' 2+3. Did Scott Pearson's Thunder Chicken boat have gold piping? Maybe he's got some left over (?)

Eric

FlatRacer, aka BarrelBack
09-02-2013, 11:09 PM
Just sent Mr Pearson a FB message.

BTW, off topic, I just heard of a Donzi meet in Mays Landing, NJ this coming Sunday. I'll be racing circles with the APBA in the Pro Stock (V-drive Flat) class there (Lake Lenape) this weekend. Donzi guys, stop by the pits and say hello. I'll be driving PS 529.

Eric

FlatRacer, aka BarrelBack
09-25-2013, 12:31 PM
Bob turned me on to a vinyl supplier in the northwest. They sent me a sample of what we thought would match the Inca Gold for the welting, but it didn't.
I snipped off a piece of the wetting from inside the rear seat cushion. It's so well made that I couldn't get anything bigger than a 1/4" slice out of it! I sent it off to the supplier in the hope that they can match it. Keep your fingers crossed.

Eric

Conquistador_del_mar
09-25-2013, 01:08 PM
Eric,
I hope they can come up with the exact match for you. You would think that there is a roll somewhere, but finding it will probably be tough. I used a local upholsterer a few years ago who had probably 300+ partial rolls of vinyl dating as far back as the 70s and he had a small time shop. Bill

FlatRacer, aka BarrelBack
10-11-2013, 03:47 PM
So far I've been striking out with finding a match. The supplier in the NW sent three samples, but none are a match. I guess I can start visiting upholstery shops in my area on the off chance that I might find something to match.

Eric

FlatRacer, aka BarrelBack
11-02-2013, 01:07 PM
After having no luck with the samples that were sent to me by the supply houses either recommended to me by Bob, or that I found on a Google search, I struck out this morning on a hunting expedition of local auto interior shops looking for the elusive Inca Gold.
The first one was out of business after many decades of being a local institution.
The second was an interior business advertised on the internet, but when I got to the address it turned out to be just a private house (I didn't bother to stop).
The third had a sample in one of his books that was closer to the Inca Gold I seek, but still wasn't exact.
The fourth was closed (not open on Saturdays during hunting season).
At the fifth shop I struck gold! The shop owner found an exact match (Reliant brand "Goldenrod", for those keeping score at home), so I left a deposit and ordered enough for the piping on my seat bottom. Let's all cross our fingers that it's actually still available from the mfg. I'm planning to get the vinyl and send it to Josh at Donzi Direct, to have my new cushion built.

Wish me luck.
Eric

Conquistador_del_mar
11-02-2013, 01:12 PM
Excellent Eric! Another example of persistance paying off. :crossfing:

superhatz
11-05-2013, 11:24 PM
Awesome...keep us posted.

FlatRacer, aka BarrelBack
11-15-2013, 12:54 PM
Material is on "back order". I hope that's not code for "we don't make that color anymore".
I have to check back in a couple weeks. Gonna be a long couple of weeks. Grrrr!

Eric

FlatRacer, aka BarrelBack
03-20-2014, 04:49 PM
Success!

The material for the piping finally came in, and I sent it down to Donzi Direct along with my old seat cover. Sunny Lee at Donzi Direct was a pleasure to deal with, BTW. I just got the new seat yesterday. What a great job they did! The snaps have to be installed yet, but I'll have a local boat shop take care of that.

If anyone is looking for a match for Inca Gold, "Goldenrod" by Reliant is about as good a match as you'll ever find. It's only slightly lighter than the original but I think that's probably because the original vinyl darkens slightly with age. The sample that was in the upholstery shop's book was a perfect match with my original seat, whereas the vinyl that came was ever so slightly lighter. I don't think anyone other than myself will ever notice.

I'll post some before and after pics, when I launch the boat late this spring.

Eric, out!

jl1962
03-20-2014, 06:24 PM
Cool!

Glad it worked out.
Can't wait to see pictures, or better still, the boat!