Well.... I ordered a set of new seat covers, door panels and a match dyed hide for the center console from re-originals back in late May. These parts are supposed to be made in Italy by the original craftsmen on the original tools and dies used "back in the day". They are supposed to be the nicest quality available (according to the guys at re-originals of coarse...). The problem is with the term "available". I was originally told I would receive the parts the second week in July. That date came and went. I kept hearing about how the parts were stuck in customs. I heard about how yet another shipment was due in any day. I heard that the new shipment was now apparently stuck in customs..... I finally spoke with Matt (the boss at re-originals?) today. They dont have the parts. Apparently, they have as yet not even been constructed. The people in Italy who do the constructing are on vacation and the factory is thus closed. This condition may last for several weeks, nobody apparently knows. So at this point.... I honestly dont have any idea IF much less when they will be able to provide me with the interior parts. So, does anyone have a GOOD and REAL source for 100% correct and perfect Daytona interior parts? I need a complete set of seat covers, door panels with arm rest and enough material to do the center console. The color has to be saddle with black inserts. Thanks for any help. Terry
Terry, In August everything is closed in Italy (and France for that matter). If you did not get your order in 12 of 16 weeks before August, you will have to wait until they are back from vacation. We have a lot of (frustrating) experience with this, but eventually we received almost everthing we ordered from Italy.However, I do not have any experience with Re-originals.
I have had many dealings with Matt over the past 10 years. He is one person in our business who has tried to find original materials and parts for italian sports cars. Connolly leather is a memory, 250 heel pads, wilton wool and most original vinyls and lets not forget Mousehair, are all scarce or gone. I have had the same problem with shipping and my advice is to wait it out. OK now as far as craftsmanship, they are original quality. Which means very little today. First of all making original quality seat covers look good on a driver quality restoration is still very time consuming. I have access to a variety of original seat covers and complete interiors from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. All of which I have used to base my interiors on. For some convertible tops researching originality has been a time consuming cross-country adventure. Believe me what you actually see on the show field is only the tip of the iceburg. Originality is barely skin deep anymore.
A few years ago, through T. Rutland's I believe, I ordered a pair of black daytona headrests to replace my headrests which were in poor condition. I inquired about the order for months then gave up. A few months later they arrived (must have been a year and a half total waiting time, if I remember correctly) you just cant rush the Italians. My advice is wait Terry.
Im going to wait it out I guess. Matt says the italians will be back at work on the 23d, and they had promised him my order and 2 others that were in process when they all went on vacation would receive top priority. To an Italian... im not sure exactly what "top priority" means, but oh well. From what Matt says and what I have heard from others who got seat covers from reoriginals, the quality is actually better than original. The seats are made on the original tooling and dies, but the quality of leather is actually better and the backing materials are more long lasting. So..... I wait. I still have plenty to do on the car anyhow. Going nuts detailing the engine bay. New wrinkly paint on everything that takes it. Also resealing the windshield and side glass.... lots of little detail stuff. Terry
