Having a case of buyer's remorse, need your thoughts

[Hunt4Fun]

I purchased a 1952 Land Cruiser in October. I have truly enjoyed working on it. The only part thus far that is out of my comfort zone has been the interior (seat material and carpet). I ordered the carpet from Studebaker International and it came in 2 weeks. I installed it most of the way but plan to have my local upholstery guy finish it up because I don't have the talent or the tools to finish it up.

For material, I decided to go with the original material from SMS Fabrics in Oregon. The total cost to have them make the seats in the material original to the car was $1800. I decided to have the local shop make the seats and order the material from SMS. They charged me the exact same amount for just the material. That upset me and I should have cancelled at that time, but I didn't. Now it has been months since the order. So far they have sent the carpet that goes around the base of the front seat. I sent them a picture of the carpet, brown in color. Darned if they didn't send me a grey piece of carpet. I have received nothing else in terms of material.

Has anyone ever ordered from them and then cancelled the ordered? At this point I'm ready to deal exclusively with Studebaker International or my local upholstery guy to complete the job. I'm planning to consult with Studebaker International and my local upholstery guy tomorrow to discuss options.

Your thoughts are appreciated.

Hunt4Fun

[mbstude]

SMS has a long standing reputation for taking 2-4 years to fulfill an order. They also consistently struggle with communicating with their customers.

https://www.bbb.org/us/or/canby/profile/specialty-auto-parts/s-m-s-auto-fabrics-1296-22017298/complaints

[abkco]

Wow, that is a pretty damning link. I stopped reading the complaints after page 1, but it goes on and on. I’m 3 1/2 years in on door panels with them. Pretty frustrating.

[Andy R.]

This is very concerning. I’m on no deadline, but for their reputation/quality, I’d hope for better.

[Hunt4Fun]

Can I expect a full refund if I cancel the order?

[StudeRich]

There is no way you would want to Pay Shipping for all the Seats to have them make and install the Material, and if you did, the cost would be a LOT more than $1800.00 !

Maybe I am not understanding what this means: "The total cost to have them make the seats in the material original to the car was $1800"

The covers could NOT be Made to fit the Seats without them on hand, due to padding thickness size variations and age of the seats.
There was a Major misunderstanding there.

You need to ask what the time frame for completion is, before canceling and return the Gray Carpet.

[Hunt4Fun]

Misunderstanding. Sorry. The quote didn't involve shipping the seats.

They are going to cut and ship the material for $1800. That is the current plan.

I want to know if anyone has been able to successfully cancel an order and get a refund.

[E. Davis]

If you paid up front for all this then I think it is time to contact a Lawyer.

[Skip Lackie]

Like Matt said, SMS has a long reputation for delays in delivery. They are also just about the only source of authentic interior materials for most cars. So it depends to some extent on how "correct" you want your interior to be. They stay in business because they generally provide the needed materials, albeit late and with much confusion.

[BRUCESTUDE]

If you want to get the car finished so you can enjoy it, I’d cancel the order and move on. Of course if you’re looking for 100% authentic, then they’re the only place that can help. I just finished my ‘51 Land Cruiser and settled for materials I liked and looked period, but the cost was still steep, which I attribute to inflation.

[Buzzard]

SMS did a wonderful job on ALL the interior components for my 1957 Packard Clipper Wagon. Yes there was a hiccup or two (mostly carpet fitment related) which my talented upholsterer was able to rectify. The overall result is absolutely stunning and well worth the wait.
I would definitely use them again for any oddball application such as this as there are very few alternatives.
Bill

[Hunt4Fun]

I spoke with SMS today. I explained that I was ready to cancel because of a lack of progress reported to me. It seemed to wake them up. I wanted to know when the fabrics that I need will be shipped to me. In short, we agreed that they would have everything (3 separate fabrics) to me by February 7th. I asked "Is that a date that you are 100% comfortable that you can meet that date?" Kim, the service rep, said "Yes". I asked if she would verify that with the owner, Doug. He agreed.

I will be following up in a couple of weeks to verify that we are still on schedule. If they make the date, that will end it. If they don't, I'll cancel. I have another option standing by.

I will post any future progress.

Hunt4Fun

[Jeffry Cassel]

You can get almost anything from SMS but you'll pay through the nose and you'll grow old waiting for it. Stick with your local guy and match it the best you can. The local upholsterer is doing a Packard in marine Naugahyde. Not expensive and looks like the original. Packard offered a huge variety of materials and colors so it was possible to match it up without going to SMS.

[StudeRich]

Sounds good Jack, I am glad you got a positive response, some people may not be going about the process the right, respectful, way, which will add to the frustration, confusion and delays.

THIS is the part that confused me and others here I am sure:

"For material, I decided to go with the original material from SMS Fabrics in Oregon. The total cost to have them make the seats in the material original to the car was $1800. I decided to have the local shop make the seats and order the material from SMS. They charged me the exact same amount for just the material. That upset me and I should have cancelled at that time, but I didn't."

If they actually HAVE the exact dimensions for a Land Cruiser with rear armrest and all, to actually "Make Up the Covers", Not Seats, I would be surprised, but $1800.00 would be a STEAL ! IF they fit.

Are you SURE that is what they meant ?