LeBaron Bonney

This is not news that I like to read. I have used LB only as my interior source and was planning to use them my 1940 Ford when I get to that point.

I wonder what some of the very particular restorers here have to say about LB Interiors? What say you guys?
 
Seth,


You've seen my cars; all of the tops and upholstery on and in them are from LeBaron Bonney. I've been a loyal customer for over 50 years and I have several orders with them presently. Having said that, they are going through a transition and the past may not be a precursor of the future.
 
The last economic downturn hurt a lot of companies in a lot of sectors. The restoration sector always gets a hit due to fewer orders and back log orders from the suppliers that also take a hit.

In my little sector of the aviation industry, I've been through no slower times than the last five or six years. I can't afford to hire help so I can't perform services fast enough during busy times. It's getting hard to find help that is affordable and a lot of the young folks want to look at there phones all damn day. Business has been picking up in my sector since the first of the year but for some businesses it's going to be too little too late. I hope the best of them survive but it's certainly a crap shoot as to who makes it and who doesn't. I do my own upholstery for the most part but I just hope I can still get the materials. LeBaron Bonney is one of my sources besides SMS Auto Fabrics.
 
Old Redneck said:
I have had a seat cover for my 39 Coupe Conv. for several months. I sent a e-mail asking for the 15 percent off. Hope I get it?
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Wow ! what a neat looking rag top.

I've never used LB but back in the late 90's I enquired about an interior kit for my newly acquired 48 coupe. They sent me a sample book free from the US to NZ...it took 3 days, that impressed me. I hate to hear about good companies going to "the dogs".

GB
 
I ordered a drivers seat back for my '41 as a replacement for one that was torn. I used their complete kit when I restored the car 18 years ago. They sent a sample book and the upholstery was the same so I ordered a cover. When it arrived instead of brown it was very noticeably green. That was the color they had in stock. It took me days to talk to them about the problem,getting my money back etc. No luck. So, I ordered a complete '41 seat cover from Cartouche. It was perfect. Do not recommend LB.
 
I ordered a complete interior upholstery kit for my '35 Phaeton from LB in April. About $3K or so. They promised (estimated) delivery in "mid June". I still haven't seen it. Their story is they are waiting for some vinyl.

Jim in San Jose.

ps. I have had good experience from them in the past. I haven't given up yet.
 
I guess I am lucky.
I ordered the kit for my Victoria in December and received it in March.
I ordered more items a month ago and can't contact them to update the order.
I am hoping that they get it sorted out and they everything will be OK in the end.
It just seems like there are a lot of "problems" these days in the hobby.
I am waiting for glass from Chris Blattie, front seats from LeBaron Bonney, parts from Drake,
plating from the chrome shop, etc.
I have plenty to keep me busy in the mean time.
I try and plan ahead for the delays that are inveitable.
 
I just sold a complete 32 3 Window interior from L-B that I no longer needed. It was over 8 years old but very well stored and in perfect condition. I took it out of the boxes and showed it to the buyer. It was spectacular. Exactly as expected. Every seam was perfect no wrinkles/puckers. I recently received a complete 32 Deluxe Tudor interior. The materials used appear to be of very good quality.
The installation of the seat covers is mediocre at best.
Many small wrinkles and puckers evident on the cushions.
I haven't installed the headliner and panel sets yet.
I hope I don't find any surprises in them big ole boxes they sent...
 
I am on my third set from LB ,I tried to get the man who did this one (pic attached )but he was retiring ,so went with LB I hope to there's no surprises in the box ,TED
 

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This is bad news if true. I've been using them since the early 1970's. I'm close to ready to buy the upholstery for my 36 club cabriolet. They are so convenient for me. I'm only a half hour away. I hope they haven't moved to Maine yet!
 
LB was approved to 0pen in the Bass-Wilton building in Wilton, ME around April/May by the selectmen. LB owner stated they hoped to be open by July 2018, not sure if they are out of Amesbury, MA yet.
 
I hope the move goes well and that the new location works out for them.
It would have been appropriate to mention at the time the orders were taken that there would be a delay.
Let's all hope for the best.
 
I stopped by LB yesterday on Chestnut St in Amesbury. I live in the next town over. Definitely looks as though they have moved. The interior has been gutted and is being framed with 2x4's. You can see the new studs through the windows.
 
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Chris in MA said:
I stopped by LB yesterday on Chestnut St in Amesbury. I live in the next town over. Definitely looks as though they have moved. The interior has been gutted and is being framed with 2x4's. You can see the new studs through the windows.


E3d408
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Chris,

Just so you know, your image doesn't show up on my computer. You should post directly to fordbarn instead of using a hosting site (which is what I assume you are doing).

Charlie Stephens
 
I just got off the phone with L/B.
According to the lady I spoke with, they moved the EZ Boy division to Maine and the Mass. division across the street.
They have my order in their computer and are processing it.
I would assume that all this change will take a while to work out.
She said they are definately still in business.
That is a relief.
 
I purchased their interior kit for my 36 coupe. Very disappointed so far. Door panels did not fit, quarter panels have a gap between upper and lower. My Dad and I have used their interiors since the late 60's. Quality sure isn't what it was.
 
HalcyonDays said:
Any updates on LeBaron Bonney?
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I work part time for a fella and his wife that restores Model A. She has been trying to contact them for a week trying to find out where her top is for a Cabriolet she’s trying to finish up. Tracking number shows they received her check and top that needed an edge sewn but no one answers the phone. Last time she spoke with them they said it’s been shipped. She doesn’t have a good feeling about what’s going on at LaBaron Bonney.
 
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