39 coupe interior

[30-9]

Thinking of upgrading my seat cover. Did they offer leather or vinyl back in 39-40?

[rotorwrench]

Ford Motor Co used it in open cars for the most part. I'm not sure if they had vinyl yet but there was a leatherette substitute for leather available as well as leather for high end vehicles. Closed cars were mostly cloth fabrics.

[TJ]

Leather was offered at extra cost for both years in the closed cars.

[Kube]

I have yet to see a shred of documentation that leather was offered in a closed car in 1939. Not a shred.
If any one has any documentation, PLEASE advise.

In 1940, leather was available for the closed cars but dealers were clearly discouraged from the corporate level.
The cost to the dealer was approximately $35 and was to be offered ONLY if a potential customer was "going to walk" if he did not get the leather.
There are no doubt more closed model 1940 Fords NOW with leather interiors than were originally built.

[30-9]

Thanks folks

My cars are far from concourse. Where would you suggest I pursue purchase for leather or leather look?

[swoopNZ]

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I have owned both a 1939 Standard fordor sedan and a 1939 deluxe coupe that had original leather and leatherette seats here in New Zealand, as well as an original 1939 Mercury sedan back in the 1960's .
The panels that you sat on and leaned against were genuine leather with the balance of the seat panels and headlining being stitched in a " leatherette " or vinyl as we call it today.
Evidently in New Zealand where Ford were supplied by Ford of Canada the leather option was not uncommon.
The '39 standard sedan I once had is still roadworthy, and I still have the coupe seat leather/leatherette panels that I use as patterns for restorations.
The leather option is mentioned by Ford of Canada in their 1939 body parts catalogue.
However as Kube says, it is not mentioned in the Ford USA body parts catalogue.
All of the USA sourced 39 coupes that I have owned seem to have had either the mohair or broadcloth option.
All of this probably only adds to the confusion.
Chris.NZ.
New Plymouth.

[TJ]

Originally Posted by Kube

I have yet to see a shred of documentation that leather was offered in a closed car in 1939. Not a shred.
If any one has any documentation, PLEASE advise.

In 1940, leather was available for the closed cars but dealers were clearly discouraged from the corporate level.
The cost to the dealer was approximately $35 and was to be offered ONLY if a potential customer was "going to walk" if he did not get the leather.
There are no doubt more closed model 1940 Fords NOW with leather interiors than were originally built.

Mike, I'll refer you to page 3-4 of the Early Ford V-8 Club's '38-39 book by Gary Mallast. Paragraph I says "leather was available for closed car interiors at extra cost, so as not lose a sale". Gary Mallast did a lot of research on that book and I believe he spent hours at the Benson Ford Research Center. He's a very thorough guy.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by TJ

Mike, I'll refer you to page 3-4 of the Early Ford V-8 Club's '38-39 book by Gary Mallast. Paragraph I says "leather was available for closed car interiors at extra cost, so as not lose a sale". Gary Mallast did a lot of research on that book and I believe he spent hours at the Benson Ford Research Center. He's a very thorough guy.

He did spend a ton of research on that book and his efforts shows. Lord knows I KNOW how much effort is involved in writing a comprehensive and thoroughly researched book.
Still, other than what Gary claims, and with all due respect to him, there were no documents unearthed to show that "option" available in '39. In '40 - yes.

[30-9]

Can someone tell me a good vendor as I asked above....

[paul2748]

LaBaron-Bonney is about the only supplier I know. Not sure they can supply leather/vinyl but call them. Mac's has Cartouche but probably the same story on leather/vinyl. If you got old covers for a pattern , an upholstery shop may be your answer

[swoopNZ]

Le Baron Bonney offer leather as an option for 1940 coupes - standard and deluxe, or at least they used to.
I have a folder from them, sent to me some years back with the leather and vinyl samples attached, as well as illustrations of the interior.
However if you If you are wanting leather for a 39 coupe then best to google some pictures of 39 coupe interiors.
That will give you an idea of the correct patterns and stitching style.
Take the pictures to a reputable upholsterer and they should be able to duplicate them pretty well. They should have numerous material types. Getting a similar colour and grain can be tricky sometimes but they will get it done. Far easier to get the interior done in automotive vinyls - they look good and are very durable nowadays.
Just my humble opinion.

[40larry]

I believe Gary Mallast is correct. I am aware of an unquestionable 1939 Mercury Fordor with a factory leather interior. Very likely that a factory letter exists for 1939 like the one I have for 1940 stating that leather was available but not encouraged.....

[30-9]

Thanks gents!

[Kube]

Originally Posted by 40larry

I believe Gary Mallast is correct. I am aware of an unquestionable 1939 Mercury Fordor with a factory leather interior. Very likely that a factory letter exists for 1939 like the one I have for 1940 stating that leather was available but not encouraged.....

I tend to trust Gary as well and welcome such a letter should it ever arise.

A '39 Merc does not a '39 Ford make.

[CHuDWah]

Originally Posted by 30-9

Can someone tell me a good vendor as I asked above....

Dunno if this will help, but...

MANY moons ago, I ordered L-B upholstery in the original pattern but in non-authentic color vinyl - they advised me it wasn't correct for my car (which I already knew) but filled my order as requested anyway. Might be worth a call to them.

[TJ]

To add to this conversation, on page 3-1 of the Early Ford V-8 Club's 37 book there is a couple of sentences that indicate you could also get leather interior in 37 closed cars by special order and at extra cost.

[CGW]

30-9,

Care to post a few photos of the '39 Coupe in question? I would like to see what you have.

Thank you.

-CGW