Best upholstery kits?

Cdaniel

Founding Member

Nov 29, 2001

220

0

16

Arizona

Feb 9, 2004

#1

• Feb 9, 2004

• #1

So who has a better quality product, TMI or Distinctive Industries?

 

SuperDave

Early-Model Mentor

Founding Member

May 3, 2000

6,361

0

0

Tacoma, WA USA

Feb 9, 2004

#2

• Feb 9, 2004

• #2

I trust my supplier, Virginia Classic Mustangto provide good stuff. I don't know of any BAD upholstry on the market, especially if it comes from a reputable supplier. With all the competition in the Mustang industry, a source can't afford to sell junk.

BTW, price isn't everything!

 

Cdaniel

Founding Member

Nov 29, 2001

220

0

16

Arizona

Feb 9, 2004

#3

• Feb 9, 2004

• #3

SuperDave said:

I trust my supplier, Virginia Classic Mustangto provide good stuff. I don't know of any BAD upholstry on the market, especially if it comes from a reputable supplier. With all the competition in the Mustang industry, a source can't afford to sell junk.

BTW, price isn't everything!

Click to expand...

Looks like supply the TMI stuff. Good to know. It seems they are less expensive that the other stuff from Scott Drake( disticntive Ind).

 

G

GaPonyFarm

New Member

Jan 2, 2004

663

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0

Columbus, GA

Feb 9, 2004

#4

• Feb 9, 2004

• #4

I've used both and they are pretty much equal products... Its probably more important to find a vendor you like... most get their products from the same sources.

 

Great68

Founding Member

May 16, 2002

691

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16

Victoria BC

Feb 10, 2004

#5

• Feb 10, 2004

• #5

I am installing the TMI set right now! I think their kit is really good quality, and even includes the back panels (I don't know if all kits include these). I haven't had very much trouble at all yet, I haven't even had to use any heat to help the job yet (And I live in cold Canada )

I have one seat to go and then i'm done.

 

Cdaniel

Founding Member

Nov 29, 2001

220

0

16

Arizona

Feb 10, 2004

#6

• Feb 10, 2004

• #6

Great68 said:

I am installing the TMI set right now! I think their kit is really good quality, and even includes the back panels (I don't know if all kits include these). I haven't had very much trouble at all yet, I haven't even had to use any heat to help the job yet (And I live in cold Canada )

I have one seat to go and then i'm done.

Click to expand...

Doing it your self eh? Your giving me hope and inspiration. I'm going to try my hand at upholstery work for the 1st time. Got the book, looks farly straight forward. Any secret tips?

 

SuperDave

Early-Model Mentor

Founding Member

May 3, 2000

6,361

0

0

Tacoma, WA USA

Feb 10, 2004

#7

• Feb 10, 2004

• #7

One suggestion is to work in a warm environment (in a heated garage or on A WARM DAY) and use a hair dryer to further warm the material when it is streched and applied applied.

Be sure that you have hog ring pliers and patience.

 

G

GaPonyFarm

New Member

Jan 2, 2004

663

0

0

Columbus, GA

Feb 10, 2004

#8

• Feb 10, 2004

• #8

Make that... high quality hog ring pliers. The pliers that comes with the hog ring kits are junk. Spending a few dollars for a good pair will save you much frustration.

 

Great68

Founding Member

May 16, 2002

691

0

16

Victoria BC

Feb 10, 2004

#9

• Feb 10, 2004

• #9

GaPonyFarm said:

Make that... high quality hog ring pliers. The pliers that comes with the hog ring kits are junk. Spending a few dollars for a good pair will save you much frustration.

Click to expand...

Yep, the cheap ones actually broke in my friend's hand when he was using them. I went and borrowed a set of the good quality ones. Not only do they require less effort to squeeze the hog rings, but they are spring loaded so that when you put the hog ring in them, it stays put while you try to place it.

I also recommend having someone around to help when you need to squish down the springs while stretching the upholstery along.

 

65conv50

New Member

Jan 8, 2003

290

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0

Greenville, South Carolina

Feb 13, 2004

#10

• Feb 13, 2004

• #10

Just put TMI (Pony) upholstery in my '65 convert this week and I'm pleased with the results. I'm picky - - I've owned the filly for 37 years. :o)

Others are right about hog ring pliers. I bought a high quality ("professional") pair from a local upholstery shop supplier. $16.95 well spent!! Much better than even more expensive do-it-yourselfers.

 

M

mr-fixit

Founding Member

Jul 19, 1999

466

0

17

Malvern,Pa.

Feb 14, 2004

#11

• Feb 14, 2004

• #11

I have used both brands, and really have no preference. But the TMI blue ( used on the blue and white pony upholstery) is much closer to the original color vs the Distinctive. By the same token, I prefer the Distinctive emberglow and white, over TMI.