Lebaron Bonney Bankruptcy

[Frank Miller]

Here is the thread from the Model A forum

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=260609

[rotorwrench]

I suppose it was to be expected. The warning signs were out there.

[TJ]

What a shame that this old trusted company has "bit the dust". Looks like Cartouche or going to a custom shop are the only options. Hopefully those who were waiting for kits and prepaid will get their money back. Hope our parts suppliers remain in business.

[DavidG]

The fallout and impact on the hobby beyond the immediate financial losses that the customers, like myself, will likely suffer from lost deposits and/or seat springs and own material sent to them and likely not returned, such as the likely loss in of their extensive library of patterns accumulated from original pieces over six decades will be enormous.

[95476]

I pretty much expected it.You don't keep cstomers waiting almost a year without some systemic issues.
I am out over 2,000 for deposits for kits not delivered.
No more building Fords for me.
It is a shame but there are a lot of other things changing as well.

[TJ]

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I believe they had two companies, Lebaron-Bonney and Hampton Coach. Don't know if they held them as separate entities or not. If not, it means both are in bankruptcy, so the General Motors restorers are also losing on this one.

[1931 flamingo]

Theree's another option besides Cartouche...................I believe it's Clastique, lots of good reviews on the A site.
Paul in CT

[19Fordy]

If you Google
"Lebaron Bonney Bankruptcy" nothing shows up.

[4dFord/SC]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

If you Google
"Lebaron Bonney Bankruptcy" nothing shows up.

Their website isn't working.

[95476]

I spoke with Cam on Wednesday to update and add to my orders.
I was assured that everything was OK and that there were issues with suppliers.
FedEx sent an email informing me a package from LB was on its way.
The packsge is only 2 lbs so I suspect a partial order to call it fulfilled and wipe it off the books.
Common tactic.
This is a huge hitch in the get-a-long.

[DavidG]

Clastique has no offering for anything after 1931 so they are hardly another option to the audience on this side of the barn.

[flatjack9]

I was just about ready to confirm my 36 roadster interior order. Will hold off. I did get my top finally.

[Ron Pilger]

Lack of competence, lack of operating capital and lack of market are three of the most common reasons for any business to not achieve potential. I am certainly not in a position to judge the current LeBaron Bonney situation but i would like to think there still could be a business opportunity with this firm's assets. I've used this company over three decades and was real close to an order for a complete 36 3 W. kit. Fingers crossed for a positive outcome, based on someone picking up the corporate assets and running with it.

[mrtexas]

Just disputed the $179 charge they made to my credit card on March 5. Never shipped.

[Larry in NH]

Re: Lebanon Bonney Update
Received a call yesterday from a friend who worked at LB years ago with my father who did installations for years.
He has his own shop doing high quality work. He called to tell me LB closed their doors on Friday..
He has done special work for them which he hasn't been paid.
Today's operation was not the same as in old days run by car people that understand the business.
If we learn anything on the local level we post the information.
Happy V8ing! Larry

[richard crow]

daved g cartouch has kits into the fithy,s

[DavidG]

My comment was about Clastique, not Cartouche.

[JimG]

https://www.inforuptcy.com/filings/m...bonney-company. This shows they filed for chapter 7 today.

[Detonator]

Interesting... I got a package with samples and an order form from them three days ago in the mail.

[qmdv]

I called and ordered samples a few weeks ago. Samples came in mail last week.

[Branded]

I’ve seen this coming.

[JSeery]

They are going to keep doing business until the day and time the doors are closed, that's basically what closing the doors means.

[Steve Staysko]

Well there goes my order for side curtains for my 34 roadster...

[Tinker]

Its a street/rat rod world, we are just living in it. Sorry to hear it. Maybe someone will pick up the pieces.



Think they could just sell patterns for sometime and not have a lot of overhead.




.

[Karl]

Originally Posted by DavidG

The fallout and impact on the hobby beyond the immediate financial losses that the customers, like myself, will likely suffer from lost deposits and/or seat springs and own material sent to them and likely not returned, such as the likely loss in of their extensive library of patterns accumulated from original pieces over six decades will be enormous.

I agree David. I was on the point of ordering an interior for the 34 Fordor but held off as I was a little worried about how things were heading . They have provided kits for Model A's I have had in the past and were of excellent quality.

Is there any way that an individual or organisation could get hold of the patterns.

Karl

[JimG]

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Here is what Chapter 7 means:


A Chapter 7 corporate bankruptcy is a federal court-sanctioned and supervised procedure in which a court-appointed trustee takes over the corporation’s finances and debts. In this type of bankruptcy, the trustee liquidates, or sells, the corporation’s assets and distributes the proceeds to the corporation’s creditors.

[quickchange34]

Bottom line is they are not selling the kits they once were to stay in business . They had a good run but with the muscle cars , hot rods , and street rods so strong now there are very few people wanting these kits compare to years ago . Things are changing as the young ones step up .

[Tinker]

It's like guys that build a flathead only if it's to the extreme. Hardly any one asks how to do a .010 over engine. Hang on to your original fords I'm thinking, enjoy it.... You can always put a ls in.


.

[Ritzy1]

Damn shame. Maybe somebody will pick it up out of bankruptcy and breath new life into it. Historical brand name that has lots of potential. Here's hoping that's what happens!

[Maudslay]

Guy all Gals, I am David. I’ve worked there 5 years. They are done. All Hampton Coach( Chevy portion of LBB) and Lebaron Bonney Orig Interiors
Ford 1928-54, and Chev, 1922-1954 is done. all Employees got last pay check.
This is very fresh, so you may not yet find in court records, but they are done.
If you would like to speak to me, message me with your number.
I am David.

[Maudslay]

Closed, means closed. Trust me, they are done

[32phil]

Maudslay
Can you give us any insight as to what really happened ?

[Ron Pilger]

Maudslay, with five years experience, and a lot of assets that will go for 5 or 10 cents on the dollar, and a ton of very valuable stuff that will wind up in dumpsters, then landfills, is there a business opportunity staring you in the face? You don't need a grandiose place for this operation. Probably one thousand square feet of rented industrial space, electricity, lights and talent. Start small, never waver on promises made, never compromise on quality and don't over promise and under deliver.

[Zeke3]

It is good to hear the employees at least got paid. It is sad to hear of the closing. Maybe by the time I am ready for that part of my car there will be another resource.

[19Fordy]

LB closing is a great loss to the car hobby. So sad.
Will this trade go the way of the blacksmith, eventually?

[rotorwrench]

Their assets will go up for auction eventually and will sell to the highest bidder. Whether someone buys it and turns it around or the assets get repurposed in another market remains to be seen. We can only hope for the former.

[porrj]

Lebaron Bonney has filed Bankruptcy!

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

[deuce_roadster]

porrj- your best bet to find out would be to PM Maudslay.

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by porrj

Lebaron Bonney has filed Bankruptcy!

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

You may be out of luck, all property on the premises is most likely considered part of their assets and controlled by the courts. Might have to find out who is holding the property or handling the bankruptcy and file a claim.

[TJ]

Once the bankruptcy court takes over, all assets(buildings, what is inside the buildings, bank accounts, etc.) become property of the bankruptcy court. As JSeery says you may have to file a claim for your seats. Unfortunately these type of problems can be a long drawn out process. If they had filed a Chapter 11 rather than 7 that would mean they were reorganizing to stay in business. Chapter 7 means they are DONE. You will have to have proof of some type that they have your seats in order to file a claim. If you have nothing in writing you are probably up the creek.

[rotorwrench]

A shipping document initiating the shipment to LB may be enough. Photos of the seats would also help. Bankruptcy will be held at the closest district court most likely. There should be a trustee appointed for the case. This would be the person to deal with but it may take some research to find out how to contact them. There will be a case number applied so a person needs to know that too. If it is in a large city, it can take a while. If it is a smaller community where everyone knows each other then it shouldn't be too bad. Amesbury MA is smaller than most.

[JimG]

The case number is Massachusetts Bankruptcy Court Case 1:19-bk-10856 - LeBaron Bonney.

[FRITZ47]

I ordered and sent a $1255 deposit for 2 door panels and 2 rear quarter panels for my 1953 Buick Skylark (yes they advertise a nice kit) and had a couple of questions regarding sending them my tin side panels. After calling 4 times on a Monday AM and no answer I sent an email and a USPS letter cancelling the order and disputed my credit card. I received credit on 3/17 and the bankruptcy was filed on 3/19. (That is cutting it close). One girl was very nice and was really trying to help me and they shipped the trunk cardboard panels on another small order, but two panels were missing. Luckily they are the rear sections that I can easily make with padding. I feel very sorry for anyone who has parts at LBC, as they could be difficult to recover. I have used them in the past several times, and everything was always perfect. Unfortunately all good things must come to an end. There are other good trim shops that can do the job, but finding one that is familiar with a Buick Skylark is not easy.
Fritz