alj

I have a 1985 Fomula F402 and am searching for vinyl. I've done all the typical things like visit all the upholstery shops in a 15 state area, but i'm not finding a.) the correct colors and b.) the same quality materials. I've been in touch with Formula and they are helpful up to a point.This is certainly an old boat, but Formula doesn't have information on their old vendors (or doesn't want to share it). They will however sell me new material they use in their 2003 boats. I thought that might be the answer since they have orange, yellow, and red in their new imron packages. Unfortunalely the yellow is too dark, the orange is dull and they don't use a gray. So after visiting dealers to see the colors, I called Formula back to see if I could contact the manufacturer about different colors they might have. I was told that the materials were proprietary to Formula. Back to square one. I would like to match up colors if possible as i'm only repairing a small area of the cockpit.It is also important to try and match grain and especially weight of the material. the reason Formula vinyls don't wrinkle in the wind is because of their quality and weight. Does ANYONE know anything about who was manufacturing vinyl for formula in 1985? Short of that, does anyone know who is doing Formula's vinyl now? How about anyone who has had really good luck with material on their boats that was so close to original that you couldn't tell the difference. Let me know.

Thanks---Al

Audiofn

You may want to post this in the Formula board. Matching the vinal to your old stuff is going to be very hard. You will likely have to make a compromise. Mcloed makes the bolsters for Formula. To the best of my knowledge they did for all the larger boats. So if you have a Mcloed interior then give them a call. Other then that you will just have to keep doing what you have been. Remember that sunlight will change the color over time so that could make it a little hard also. One other possibility for you is to TOTALLY change the color of the pannel. For example if the color is white and the color scheme goes white, blue, red, white then go white, blue, red, blue. Just another thought.

Jon

Pure Energy

I found a few sites last night. I did a search for marine vinyl. Maybe this will help.

http://www.garysupholstery.com/index.html

http://www.boatinstyle.com/

blown formula

The McLeod's route is the way to go.... they will probably share. If not call Sonic USA & Bruce in production may help you with a source. There new vinyls seemed pretty good when I visited the plant last week. Nice guy, & they do make there own bolsters (electric optional)... try it, can't hurt!!