LeBaron Bonney

[95476]

I have been trying to contact LeBarron Bonney for a few days without and luck.
Are they on vacation or reduced hours ?
I noticed it last fall when I placed an order as well.
It took over a week to get back to me.
Thank you.

[DavidG]

Join the club; their staff cutbacks have resulted in much slower response times, both in terms of telephone followups and completion of orders. Perhaps even more importantly, those cutbacks have resulted in the loss of much of their expertise regarding authenticity and how-to questions not covered by their instructions.



This is not sour grapes on my part as I have been a very satisfied customer for fifty years.

[russcc]

They may be in the process of moving from Amesbury MA to Wilton Maine. A friend in Maine told me about it a couple weeks ago. They apparently employee about 20 people up in Maine, which would likely be most of their staff. Wilton was an old mill town, and home of the Bass Shoe Company for many years. There are likely some nice old mill buildings available up there. That's the type building LB was in up in Amesbury. Sound like a good move, out of Amesbury which is sliding, and up to Wilton.

[msmaron]

The company was sold...The service has declined to a point of being terrible..Everything has taken a hit with the company...this has been going on for over 6 months now..

[Flathead]

That doesn't sound good, I've been saving for a Model A interior.

[russcc]

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The new owner must have moved it to Maine. Glad I got the '40 Interior stuff when I did.

[alanwoodieman]

OK so that explain why the took my money for a 40 wagon interior and then kept putting off delivery for 4 months after their 45 days that I was promised. got a lot of excusses but no real reason

[TJ]

Anybody know who bought the company? I recommended them to a friend recently and when he called to ask some basic questions. The person on the phone could not answer them. I thought maybe he got a new employee, but maybe not.

[PJBELFAY]

I got my interior for 37 deluxe coupe and one of the of the panels is clearly wrong, (spare tire curtain)havent had any luck with calls or emails either, been trying a couple of weeks now.

[95476]

If I could get someone to answer the phone or my e-mails I would just cancel my order.
I hate to see another once great company go away.
I have used them almost a dozen times over the years with ZERO problems until now.
This will make restoration a bit more complicated.
The times they are a changing.

[RKS.PA]

This is so sad. I got my stuff from them last year to re-do my '47 convertible. It was perfect, and so were the instruction. Yet another wonderful resource going down the drain....hopefully not.

Dick.

[flatjack9]

Originally Posted by alanwoodieman

OK so that explain why the took my money for a 40 wagon interior and then kept putting off delivery for 4 months after their 45 days that I was promised. got a lot of excusses but no real reason

The same thing is happening to me on my 36 roadster top.

[deuce lover]

Took 3 months to get a top kit for my friends 1930 coupe.They said they were out of the Cobra short grain.Ordered with David Costello at the end of May.Got it last week in France with no issues .They even sent it USPS which was $71.UPS would have been $120.The import duty in France for that order was only $25.I thought was really fair.The hobby is a changing.

[FHFD]

I had intentions of using them..now I'm a bit skeptical.
If not Lebaron Bonney, who else to use?

[95476]

I got an e-mail from them this AM telling me about their sale on seat covers.

[Cecil/WV]

I just finished installing the headliner in my '48 Sedan Coupe. I got my interior from Mac's and this is the first time I ever installed a headliner, It fits very well and is quality material and $1000.00 less than LB.

[Cecil/WV]

Here's a picture of my headliner installed!

[Old Redneck]

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?

[Kahuna]

Cecil
That looks great.
I have never purchased a complete interior from LB, but have had great service in both information & smaller items for my 32 Tudor.
I really hope the new owners can get it right, but I have my doubts.
When a company moves, it sometimes has larger problems in that not all of the seasoned employees can/will relocate.
I feel they will have an uphill battle for awhile.
JMO
Jim

[Willit Stop]

A few years back I ordered a headliner for my coupe from Cartouche (Mac's). Zero complaints. It fit perfectly and was reasonably priced.

[Seth Swoboda]

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?

[DavidG]

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.

[rotorwrench]

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.

[Graeme / New Zealand]

Originally Posted by Old Redneck

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?

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

[Joe Immler]

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.

[v8nut]

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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.

[95476]

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.

[32phil]

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...

[FlatheadTed]

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

[Alan O'Connell]

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!

[Ford46]

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.

[95476]

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.

[Chris in MA]

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.

[Charlie Stephens]

Originally Posted by Chris in MA

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.

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

[95476]

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.

[Chuck Kuntz]

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]

Any updates on LeBaron Bonney?

[Branded]

Originally Posted by HalcyonDays

Any updates on LeBaron Bonney?

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.

[flatjack9]

I just got the top for my 36 roadster that was supposed to be done at the end of June.

[Branded]

Originally Posted by flatjack9

I just got the top for my 36 roadster that was supposed to be done at the end of June.

That doesn’t sound good, this car is suppose to finished and delivered to the customer in a couple weeks.

[Hal Beatty]

I tried to order the interior for my '40 from L-B last November; material was out of stock and they didn't know when they would have any. They wanted 50% payment to keep my order in the works... I passed.

[philipswanson]

They have always been way too high on their products. You can get the same thing from local sources much cheaper and custom installed. Good riddens LB!

[DavidG]

philip,
Since I and many others that I know of disagree, you're off base using the word 'always' as it is obviously and patently incorrect. Perhaps you meant to say 'in my experience'.

[mrtexas]

I've tried to get LB on the phone over the last several weeks. Finally got them to check on my order and they said I didn't have an order! Tried again to call and finally ordered on-line. Didn't know which side curtain studs to order so ordered regular and long and will return one set of them. Their phone rings, puts you on hold and then hangs up.

[TJ]

It's tough to see a company that had such a great reputation having some serious problems. It's certainly no longer the same company that was founded by Lee Atherton. I hope they can turn this around because I have used a lot of their products.

[rotorwrench]

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The company went through a lot of changes since the Atherton brothers started it back in 1938. I would wonder if any Atherton's are even involved anymore. They have added the EZ Boy different quality level and custom stuff trying to stay competitive. Getting into a full parts business was also quite an outlay of funds. When times get tough, things start to change and usually not for the better. It will be interesting to see if they hold up or fold. Nothing stays the same forever in the antique auto business.

[Ted Duke]

I highly recommend Mike at https://www.classtiqueupholstery.com/
Does beautiful work and meets his estimate on time (or better).


Ted

[philipswanson]

Originally Posted by DavidG

philip,
Since I and many others that I know of disagree, you're off base using the word 'always' as it is obviously and patently incorrect. Perhaps you meant to say 'in my experience'.

ALWAYS is correct. LB doesn't make fabric. ALL of these fabrics can be ordered by any competent upholstery shop. Many times you will find even a better match than LB stocks.

[Bubsyouruncle]

so. now do we go to Mac's because LB is just like Mac's?

[rotorwrench]

The Cartouche line of interior kits was purchased by the Mac's company before Ecklers got involved. Mac's is a whole different company now that it's under the Ecklers banner. I wouldn't classify them anything other than similar when comparing them. LB was a good company but hard times & possible management woes can destroy their reputation and business model. If a person wants a kit then you have to go the next available kit fabricator, hire a local trimmer, or purchase your own sewing machine & upholstery tooling & do it yourself. LB didn't make anything for my 51 Mercury Sport Sedans and the helicopters I maintain don't have inexpensive kits either to I was forced to do the latter.

The last broad cloth I purchased from LB was already starting to discolor from age so I go to SMS auto fabrics now. They either make their own or they have it woven somewhere else but they have some good stuff for my Mercs. Vinyl & leather hides can be purchased from other sources.

[Kerk]

I know that Lee used to go to England & buy at least some of his Materials. Kx

[DavidG]

LeBaron Bonney have never required that you use one of their fabrics for their upholstery kits or in-house work. Sometimes better matches to the original materials can be found elsewhere either by the customer or with their assistance. Of the dozen or so jobs they have done for me over the years, at least half of the materials used were furnished by me or came directly from third-party suppliers. At no time was I urged or required to use materials from their inventory on hand, including under the current ownership.