Lebaron Bonney is Bankrupt

[Maudslay]

Hello. As a five year Emp of LBB, in Amesbury, Ma., this is no rumor. LBB closed their doors Friday the 15th. The Courts will do an inventory, and there will be an Bankruptcy Auction in 4-5 months. The first people to be “made whole”, will be you all, the Customers. I parted ways with the Company on Sept 15, 2018, due to lack of purchasing raw goods. I felt that less than honest practices were used to keep truth from Employees and from Customers.
You can PM me if necessary. This sucks for the I industry, and more for those who didn’t get their Kits.
I hope the best in this situation.
Respectfully, and, Sadly,

 

[Maudslay]

...also, the ABC portion of the business was sold recently to SMS, so that will not be an improvement. You all know why......

 

[Vonn]

...also, the ABC portion of the business was sold recently to SMS, so that will not be an improvement. You all know why......

I don't know what ABC is, or SMS either so I remain completely in the dark which, as a result, I don't know why.

 

[Railcarmover]

I bet its labor costs,its why most of the sewing is done overseas..how long were they in business?I remember LB selling kits in the 70's..

 

[zzlegend]

I don't know what ABC is, or SMS either so I remain completely in the dark which, as a result, I don't know why.

Been looking at this for my 57 Oldsmobile and my 54 Chevy.

https://smsautofabrics.com/?utm_source=originalauto&utm_medium=modal&utm_campaign=announcement

 

[JBill]

How sad. I never had anything but good experiences with them, going back to the 1970s. What companies a lot of us do business with will be next?

 

[37 Coupe]

I know they were in business in 1964 and probably about 5-7 years prior to that. My dad was restoring our '30 roadster at the time and many phone call conversations were with Lee Atherton personally,the founder.It is sad indeed.

 

[Maudslay]

ABC refers to 1955-62 (fairlaine & Galaxie period). All vinyl and Poly-Synthetic materials.
Mounded seat Spring foam for the first time, etc. that got sold to SMS. Look them up, in Oregon. Ask around.....I’m still waiting for something to say something good about them.
Anyway, that’s that scoop.

 

[Tacoma Bob]

This thread isn't passing the stink test for me. Has anyone fact checked legal docs?

 

[19Fordy]

Good points Bob. Hope it's not true.

 

[Steve_Mack_CT]

It aligns with my experience while hard to believe, as the tent at Hershey was busy enough in October when we forked over $745 bucks. Maudesly, thanks for posting. No respone to direct or toll free lines, web site down.

I further suspect the partial product sent was done at least in part to reflect as a filled order. I am out around 2 or 3 hundred unless someone sees my email documenting the issue. Feel bad for anyone burned worse.

 

[Ruth]

This thread isn't passing the stink test for me. Has anyone fact checked legal docs?

Online Catalog and Facebook page are both down. Not legal docs but a pretty good indicator that they are not open for business.

 

[Mike V. Florida]

This thread isn't passing the stink test for me. Has anyone fact checked legal docs?

https://www.inforuptcy.com/filings/mabke_491362-1-19-bk-10856-lebaron-bonney-company

 

[Tacoma Bob]

https://www.inforuptcy.com/filings/mabke_491362-1-19-bk-10856-lebaron-bonney-company

Thank You Mike. Interesting as the file date is today's date. Maybe they still have a dog in the fight using chapter 7.

 

[Dick M]

So sad!! I have an LB kit in my coupe. Installed in 2002. Wears like iron and still looks like new. Hate to see this blow to the hobby...

 

[Dick Steinkamp]

ABC refers to 1955-62 (fairlaine & Galaxie period). All vinyl and Poly-Synthetic materials.
Mounded seat Spring foam for the first time, etc. that got sold to SMS. Look them up, in Oregon. Ask around.....I’m still waiting for something to say something good about them.
Anyway, that’s that scoop.

I don't know ABC (?) or poly-synthetic or mounded seat spring foam, but I have done business with SMS several times. They have an amazing inventory of rare OEM materials that I have been unable to find anyplace else. In one case, I had them make material to match the 1950's custom that I restored and displayed at the Grand National Roadster Show...

I've found SMS to be a great asset to the hobby. They've always been able to satisfy my requests. Easy to deal with.

Your experience may vary.

 

[77Birdman]

Sad to see a long time vendor go under. Someone will buy up their inventory for most likely pennies on the dollar. The op's statement that "you, the customers will be made whole first', may not be true. The courts will decide who will and in what order they will be made whole. Largest creditor will most likely be first in line, then the rest of the assets will be divided out. My guess is the little guy (the customers) will be last on the list, if and when any monies are left.

 

[Seth Swoboda]

Who needs their inventory or physical business? It's worthless. Some place like Cartouche just needs to step up and offer a higher end, 100% authentic interior kit for those folks wanting that level of product.

 

[37 Coupe]

Only thing I needed was or is the panel that covers drivers seat back from rumble seat compartment.I think there should be one there as original at least my 9 year old grandson told me it would look better. My upholstery and top are probably "pre LeBarron Bonney but very good shape,not very authentic but done by a pretty good upholstery shop back in the day. I would hate to be a restorer of one of these cars and need this stage of the restoration now.

 

[msmaron]

Classtique is the place to go now!! Great company and great service...