I want to replace my trunk linings and I'm looking at the Hampton Coach catalog:

http://www.lebaronbonney.com/trunk.htm

My previous 39 had material type TL-22 as shown in the link above. However, that's like a special order item. Their trunk lining kit come with material type TL-3. Can anyone verify which is correct? I'm leaning towards TL-22. My previous 39 was a late model (white instruments, etc) and my current 39 is an early model (dark green instruments, etc) if that makes a difference.

Thanks & Happy Thanksgiving!

The t-22 is the correct pattern but color looks a little too vivid. All had the same material.

Thanks Gene! That's what I thought. Of course, it makes me wonder why Hampton Coach sells a kit with the wrong material... The HC kit installed by the previous owner of my 39 years ago even has a different incorrect material - gray felt. Seems strange for a company I thought prided themselves for matching original. Oh well. Take care!

Actually they sell only what is available to them. Thats one area where the choices are deminishing and being close is about all you can ask for.

Hampton Coach has not prided themselves in originality since Stan Brown sold the company ~30 years ago. They sell the best available in the price range that they try to adhere. They provide a valuable service but have to make some profit or close their doors.

Can an exact replacement be made available? The answer is probably YES. Of course the next question is What price to do so? I doubt most people would pay what it costs. If you want an example, price wool mohair upholstery material. Yes the original "wool" not the synthetic sold today by most suppliers. Last time I checked it was still available in England at many times the price of the synthetic.

Of course then there is the complication that a factory run involves a specific minimum quantity. Just ask Paul Dimbath about getting your money back on a special factory run of upholstery material.

I hope that this helps people understand the dilemma that suppliers fact every day. Can we get our money back in a reasonable time? Is the quality good enough? As they said on a old-time radio show "'taint easy Magee".

My expereince with HC is, about a year ago I bought a Trunk Kit for my 41 coupe. Arrived fast, was a good price, and ok quality.

The odd/funny part was/is HC could NOT tell me, which end was up on the forward {back of rear seat} panel. It went in both ways but it did/does NOT work/fit well either way. Marginal fit on the side panels as well. It's ok, but not great.

HC guy on the phone said, "Gee Mike, our pattern is not marked up or down {top/bottom} so I can't tell ya."

Other side of the coin is, my 41 has a full HC upholstery kit and it looks beautiful.

Oh well, as we say in Texas, sometimes the horse your riding is not very fast.
Enjoy the ride,
Michael41

Chipper, I hear what you're saying and I understand the business aspect. And no mistake, I'm happy with the quality. I just don't understand why they would sell a kit with the wrong material pattern and yet sell the right material and even sew the linings for a few dollars more than the kit. Why not just use the right material in the kit in the first place? When I'm spending that much money anyway, I'd rather pay a few more dollars and get it correct the first time. I'm asking them the same question. Who knows, maybe they don't realize they're using the wrong material in the kit.

Simple answer;
Because they don't know what they are doing.