Lebaron Bonney is Bankrupt

[Maudslay]

Hello. As a five year Emp of LBB, in Amesbury, Ma., this is no rumor. LBB closed their doors Friday the 15th. The Courts will do an inventory, and there will be an Bankruptcy Auction in 4-5 months. The first people to be “made whole”, will be you all, the Customers. I parted ways with the Company on Sept 15, 2018, due to lack of purchasing raw goods. I felt that less than honest practices were used to keep truth from Employees and from Customers.
You can PM me if necessary. This sucks for the I industry, and more for those who didn’t get their Kits.
I hope the best in this situation.
Respectfully, and, Sadly,

[Maudslay]

...also, the ABC portion of the business was sold recently to SMS, so that will not be an improvement. You all know why......

[Vonn]

Originally Posted by Maudslay

...also, the ABC portion of the business was sold recently to SMS, so that will not be an improvement. You all know why......

I don't know what ABC is, or SMS either so I remain completely in the dark which, as a result, I don't know why.

[Railcarmover]

I bet its labor costs,its why most of the sewing is done overseas..how long were they in business?I remember LB selling kits in the 70's..

[zzlegend]

Originally Posted by Vonn

I don't know what ABC is, or SMS either so I remain completely in the dark which, as a result, I don't know why.

Been looking at this for my 57 Oldsmobile and my 54 Chevy.

https://smsautofabrics.com/?utm_sour...n=announcement

[JBill]

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How sad. I never had anything but good experiences with them, going back to the 1970s. What companies a lot of us do business with will be next?

[37 Coupe]

I know they were in business in 1964 and probably about 5-7 years prior to that. My dad was restoring our '30 roadster at the time and many phone call conversations were with Lee Atherton personally,the founder.It is sad indeed.

[Maudslay]

ABC refers to 1955-62 (fairlaine & Galaxie period). All vinyl and Poly-Synthetic materials.
Mounded seat Spring foam for the first time, etc. that got sold to SMS. Look them up, in Oregon. Ask around.....I’m still waiting for something to say something good about them.
Anyway, that’s that scoop.

[Tacoma Bob]

This thread isn't passing the stink test for me. Has anyone fact checked legal docs?

[19Fordy]

Good points Bob. Hope it's not true.

[Steve_Mack_CT]

It aligns with my experience while hard to believe, as the tent at Hershey was busy enough in October when we forked over $745 bucks. Maudesly, thanks for posting. No respone to direct or toll free lines, web site down.

I further suspect the partial product sent was done at least in part to reflect as a filled order. I am out around 2 or 3 hundred unless someone sees my email documenting the issue. Feel bad for anyone burned worse.

[Ruth]

Originally Posted by Tacoma Bob

This thread isn't passing the stink test for me. Has anyone fact checked legal docs?

Online Catalog and Facebook page are both down. Not legal docs but a pretty good indicator that they are not open for business.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Tacoma Bob

This thread isn't passing the stink test for me. Has anyone fact checked legal docs?

https://www.inforuptcy.com/filings/m...bonney-company

[Tacoma Bob]

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

https://www.inforuptcy.com/filings/m...bonney-company

Thank You Mike. Interesting as the file date is today's date. Maybe they still have a dog in the fight using chapter 7.

[Dick M]

So sad!! I have an LB kit in my coupe. Installed in 2002. Wears like iron and still looks like new. Hate to see this blow to the hobby...

[Dick Steinkamp]

Originally Posted by Maudslay

ABC refers to 1955-62 (fairlaine & Galaxie period). All vinyl and Poly-Synthetic materials.
Mounded seat Spring foam for the first time, etc. that got sold to SMS. Look them up, in Oregon. Ask around.....I’m still waiting for something to say something good about them.
Anyway, that’s that scoop.

I don't know ABC (?) or poly-synthetic or mounded seat spring foam, but I have done business with SMS several times. They have an amazing inventory of rare OEM materials that I have been unable to find anyplace else. In one case, I had them make material to match the 1950's custom that I restored and displayed at the Grand National Roadster Show...



I've found SMS to be a great asset to the hobby. They've always been able to satisfy my requests. Easy to deal with.

Your experience may vary.

[77Birdman]

Sad to see a long time vendor go under. Someone will buy up their inventory for most likely pennies on the dollar. The op's statement that "you, the customers will be made whole first', may not be true. The courts will decide who will and in what order they will be made whole. Largest creditor will most likely be first in line, then the rest of the assets will be divided out. My guess is the little guy (the customers) will be last on the list, if and when any monies are left.

[Seth Swoboda]

Who needs their inventory or physical business? It's worthless. Some place like Cartouche just needs to step up and offer a higher end, 100% authentic interior kit for those folks wanting that level of product.

[37 Coupe]

Only thing I needed was or is the panel that covers drivers seat back from rumble seat compartment.I think there should be one there as original at least my 9 year old grandson told me it would look better. My upholstery and top are probably "pre LeBarron Bonney but very good shape,not very authentic but done by a pretty good upholstery shop back in the day. I would hate to be a restorer of one of these cars and need this stage of the restoration now.

[msmaron]

Classtique is the place to go now!! Great company and great service...

[holdover]

It is sad to see them close. Over the last 40+ years I used them a couple of times. But the quality of a company that makes a product such as they made is in the knowledge and dedication of the employees, without that the standards start going down real fast. Once the company sold and moved many of the talented and dedicated people most likely weren't in a position to move to the new location. The people I feel for, other than those who left deposits, are the long term employees that lost their jobs. Maudslay said they weren't ordering what they needed, I would say that was the beginning of the end. I ordered mine from Classtique, and am happy that I did, thanks to the Barners who helped me make that decision when LB didn't answer my inquires

[Steve Plucker]

Originally Posted by 37 Coupe

Only thing I needed was or is the panel that covers drivers seat back from rumble seat compartment.I think there should be one there as original at least my 9 year old grandson told me it would look better. My upholstery and top are probably "pre LeBarron Bonney but very good shape,not very authentic but done by a pretty good upholstery shop back in the day. I would hate to be a restorer of one of these cars and need this stage of the restoration now.

37 Coupe,

You can get the cardboard paneling at an upholstry shop. It is about 1/8 inch thick. As far as the material that covers it, I am sure it is out there to.

My original panel on the back of my September 1929 Standard Coupe with trunk was the same material as was on the right and left inside cowl or kick panel areas and was black.

Pluck

[larrys40]

Yes mark but do others have the materials both top and interior to match what LB had?

[Synchro909]

I think (hope) their demise will create an opening for someone else to step in, not that they are much used here anyway. Nearly everybody I know who restores a car has the trim done piece by piece in a trim shop or does it themselves from raw materials.

[CHuDWah]

Originally Posted by 37 Coupe

Only thing I needed was or is the panel that covers drivers seat back from rumble seat compartment.I think there should be one there as original at least my 9 year old grandson told me it would look better. My upholstery and top are probably "pre LeBarron Bonney but very good shape,not very authentic but done by a pretty good upholstery shop back in the day. I would hate to be a restorer of one of these cars and need this stage of the restoration now.

Originally Posted by Steve Plucker

37 Coupe,

You can get the cardboard paneling at an upholstry shop. It is about 1/8 inch thick. As far as the material that covers it, I am sure it is out there to.

My original panel on the back of my September 1929 Standard Coupe with trunk was the same material as was on the right and left inside cowl or kick panel areas and was black.

Pluck

FWIW, many moons ago, we used a L-B complete upholstery kit in our 30 Sport Coupe - it included a panel for the back of the driver seat, covered in the same material as rumble seat side panels.

[WHN]

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We have always used a customer top and interior shop. There are great ones all around the country. You get to pick out everything before hand, and work with an owner in person.

I know this comment doesn’t help all the guys that like to do it themselves.

[Oldbluoval]

Be aware bankruptcy doesn’t always mean ceasing business
It can also mean a situation for a company to get back on its feet.
But it has to have a plan to pay creditors and not continue to lose money

[paul2748]

Chapter 7 is liquidation. Chapter 11 is re-organization, hoping to get back into business while holding off creditors. The filing in Mass. is Chapter 7


I've done some business with SMS, had no problems. Just ordered material

[Maudslay]

What stinks, Bob? It’s ok if you think that. I mean, what have you to loose?

[ronn]

Chapter 7 is liquidation. Chapter 11 is re-organization, hoping to get back into business while holding off creditors. The filing in Mass. is Chapter 7


absolutely, they are closing. Business wasnt that good and it is competitive.

[Bob from Northport]

Who or what is SMS????

[zzlegend]

Originally Posted by Bob from Northport

Who or what is SMS????

Did you look at post 5?

[porrj]

I Have 4 seats at Lebarron Bonnie, how do I get them back? No one will answer the phone.
Anyone know who or how to contact them?
Jeff

[Cool Hand Lurker]

Originally Posted by porrj

I Have 4 seats at Lebarron Bonnie, how do I get them back? No one will answer the phone.
Anyone know who or how to contact them?
Jeff

Go to the link in Post #13 for the bankruptcy info.
This info is there:

Debtor
LeBaron Bonney Company
6 Chestnut Street
Amesbury, MA 01913
Tax ID / EIN: 23-2973513

represented by Joshua A. Burnett
Kitaeff & Associates, P.C.
65A Flagship Drive
North Andover, MA 01845
978-687-1818
Fax : 978-258-1967
Email: [email protected]

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by Seth Swoboda

Who needs their inventory or physical business? It's worthless. Some place like Cartouche just needs to step up and offer a higher end, 100% authentic interior kit for those folks wanting that level of product.

Seth, that has been the case for two years now. Cartouche has been manufacturing kits using the same material that L/B and Classtique have as it is all coming from the same mill. Hobbyists can still purchase a cheaper material from the kit manufacturer if they choose.

Originally Posted by larrys40

Yes mark but do others have the materials both top and interior to match what LB had?

Yes Larry.

[txmike]

some one mentioned Classtique - i can find their website?
thanks

[txmike]

sorry - can't find their website

[Bob C]

Originally Posted by txmike

sorry - can't find their website

https://www.classtiqueupholstery.com/

[WHN]

Originally Posted by Bob C

https://www.classtiqueupholstery.com/

Nice web site. Pictures of work done look great.

[Ted Duke]

Originally Posted by msmaron

Classtique is the place to go now!! Great company and great service...

X two

[DHZIEMAN]

Originally Posted by Tacoma Bob

This thread isn't passing the stink test for me. Has anyone fact checked legal docs?

Bankruptcy filing for LeBaron Bonney Company Massachusetts . Case number 1:19-bk-10856 filed 03/19/2019

A sad day! The model A I purchased several years ago was a LeBarron Bonney complete redo of upholstery for my fordor.

[robziehwein]

I recieved my interior kit.but not my top kit. They also have my rear window frame. Anyone how to go about getting my window frame back?
Rob Ziehwein

[Del in NE Ohio]

Today I contacted Classtique about ordering a panel set for ‘31 CCPU. Was told to expect 15 week lead time. With such a major source gone, we will all have to be patient.

[Gene F]

15 weeks. Hmmm, and the price was what $2,200?

[Del in NE Ohio]

$295.00

[Maudslay]

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Hello. Thought I would update you all on what I know as of 4/17.
I have had any further contact from the Court Atty. If you sent springs, or any of your property, it can be retrieved on Monday the 22. You should have received notification from The Atty if you filed a claim.
If you would like assistance to get your things back I can help if you want. There is a form to to do that with your notification. If you need help call me. David Costello 978-335-8739 Eastern time. I’d be happy to get you belongings, get them packaged and returned to you, at your expense. I will only charge exactly what it costs for material and UPS or USPS, what ever works best for y’all. You can also text to that number, or PM me

[rfitzpatrick]

Originally Posted by Maudslay

Hello. Thought I would update you all on what I know as of 4/17.
I have had any further contact from the Court Atty. If you sent springs, or any of your property, it can be retrieved on Monday the 22. You should have received notification from The Atty if you filed a claim.
If you would like assistance to get your things back I can help if you want. There is a form to to do that with your notification. If you need help call me. David Costello 978-335-8739 Eastern time. I’d be happy to get you belongings, get them packaged and returned to you, at your expense. I will only charge exactly what it costs for material and UPS or USPS, what ever works best for y’all. You can also text to that number, or PM me

WOW!! I only wished PanAm World Airways had treated me this way !! -- getting my stuff back

[holdover]

It is just by luck that I didn't have an order in with LB. David what you are offering to do will put a lot of people at ease and I commend you for the offer.. Your action is what makes Barners special.




tony in VA