Has anyone used Jenkins Interiors lately? Thinking about doing an interior and wonder if their quality is still top notch. Thanks.
Kyle,
I used them for the interior of the trunk on my 53 coupe and new carpet. Top notch quality, but be prepared to pay for it. Not cheap.
Paul
I "helped" Lou get started many years ago when I sold him several dealer books with samples in them. His goal was to reproduce the materials exactly. He is the one to turn to when you want only the very, very best, and price is no object.
Re: Mr. Vanderbilt. "If you need to know how much it costs to run a yacht, you can't afford it."
I agree, I bought the interior and top (and chrome top trim) for my 1941 Cadillac convertible coupe from Jenkins about ten years ago, and have been very pleased with it. It isn't inexpensive, but what is when you're dealing with these cars...? The interior had been poorly redone in the 1960s by the prior owner, so there was very little left to use as a correct template, so I felt comfortable that I would get something that was right.
Thanks for the help guys, I am hoping to hear from someone that has used them in the last year or so. Thanks again everyone.
Kyle,
I know someone who is currently working with Jenkins. They are redoing the leather interior from his '66 Eldorado (with bucket seats). He hasn't received the finished product yet but I can let you know how satisfied he is (or is not) once it arrives.
Greg McDonnell
CLC #20841
Greg, I will wait to here from you, Thanks.
What year/model car are you talking about Kyle? Greg's post brought a thought to mind; In some cases (like '66 Eldo reclining buckets with headrests) Jenkin's is one of the few suppliers that has the pattern to reproduce them. May be the only supplier. I've shopped around for my '66 Eldo's interior and Jenkin's has been the only supplier that can do it that I have found. Luckily, I don't really need it done anytime soon, I was just curious as to the damages for future reference.
It is an interior for a 1959 Seville, thanks guys
I had a '59 interior done about 18 months ago by Jenkins. Kyle, if you want to hear about my experience and since that time, my understanding of what now goes on, you can email me. I know of at least of one company that does interiors correctly and with a high degree of attention to detail and quality.
Regards, Ross
I have a Jenkins interior in my 66 Deville convertible that is 10 years old now and it still looks like new. I've also used Fryer's in the state of Washington for my 68 Eldorado and 72 Eldorado convertible and have been pleased with the results. They are a little less expensive. I did have to send them my old covers to use as a pattern since they hadn't made covers for these cars previously. Their web address is below:
http://www.autoupholsterykits.com
Ross, can we take your reply to mean that you were less than enamored of the results?
...and how do you work with Jenkins from Iowa or Washington state? I have a 1950 Buick Roadmaster 2 door hardtop that I want to be perfect BUT I would have to mail them the seats? and door panels (not so bad) then have them shipped back. That alone would add considerable dollars to cost.
I am going to try to use a local guy and get good materials.
Quote from: BJM on February 27, 2010, 11:05:51 AM
I want to be perfect ... That alone would add considerable dollars to cost.
The first directly leads to the other.
Stampie
...and how do you work with Jenkins from Iowa or Washington state? I have a 1950 Buick Roadmaster 2 door hardtop that I want to be perfect BUT I would have to mail them the seats? and door panels (not so bad) then have them shipped back. That alone would add considerable dollars to cost.
The easiest way would be to get their upholstery "kit" that has all of the materials for your
car, make, model, etc. and have it shipped to you. Then, have a reputable local upholstery
shop install it. If your upholstery is leather the kit alone can cost over $10K. Get references
from those who have used the the shops and look at their work to see if you're satisfied.
Look at their completed jobs.
For example, the seams on the seats whould be arrow straight -- not crooked or wavy.
That's the first tip off to a sub-par job. As a national judge, I've seen many like that.
Shipping your complete seats, etc. to Jenkins from the West Coast and back makes no sense and
would be very costly.
Mike
Mike
Just remember when you think about shipping costs, Doing an interior is like painting a car. Everyone gives a lot of credit to the painter but the body man is the one that makes or breaks a car. An interior guy can make the best kit in the world but if the installer is sub par the job can be ruined. It is best to use one guy that way if something is wrong there is no one to blame but him. No passing the the buck, no pun intended since doing an interior you will be passing a lot of bucks around.
Jenkins is the very best and most reliable and authentic. The cost is is not marginable, but the quality and fit is exceptional. You will need a competentant upholstery shop to intall the kit from Jenkins, but the seats of your car must be re-engineered and eight-way hand tied as origionally done by Cadillac, or the upholstery over time will shift, wrinkle, and warp. The key is to have the infrastructure of the seat cushions, armrests, and dooor panels properly prepared for new covers. I suggest that one also replaces the carpetining, door panels, and interior roof panels and wind cords to complete the job experty. Do it right the first time, or excessive expense subsequnetly follows, as one viisualizes infermaties. This may need to include doing the trunk area correctly at the same time.
Bill Podany
Knoxville, TN