What's a source for that suede-like fabric that is on R1 seats and some aftermarket steering wheels, I don't know the correct name for it, Alcantara makes it too but I'm looking for a US source

 

Alcantara is the product name, by a company called Toray. Note that in the US, Alcantara is marketed as Ultrasuede Milano. I believe that Ultrasuede Ambience is a 'smoother' version (lest texture). Any Sparco authorized dealer will have a material swatch - and the Alcantara/Ultrasuede Milano is nice. I'm going to redo the leg bolters and back inserts of my Sparco Roadsters with those, and the rest in leather.

http://www.ultrasuede.com/home/

Hope that helps!

 

This is a bit after the fact, but if you do a search in Yahoo for "ultrasuede", you'll come up with several vendors. Generally, the price is $60-$65 a yard, but there is one place out in California that sells it for $45 a yard. Cannot remember the name off hand, but it's owned by a Japanese woman and she uses her name in the store title. It's not cheap stuff, but well worth the price.
Michel

 

Both you guys were very helpful, thanks

Hey Michel, still have your Vehicross?

 

Sure do! Plugging along great with just about everything I throw at it! Just wish I could tow the RX7 with it without modifications :-)

 

Hey Gordon!

Try doing a search for ultrasuede HP, that seems to be the stuff used for upholstery in aircraft and yachts. I haven't gotten it yet, waiting for summer, but here's a few places I found. If you have to order a certain amount to get a better deal, or find a better price, let me know, I'm looking at black or dark grey to cover all the interior panels (bins, doors, cargo divider, etc). I'd like to go with the HP but might go with a lighter grade because I'm not putting it on the seats (yet) and might be easier to contour...

http://www.fieldsfabrics.com/ultrasuede.htm $40 per yard (36" x 45"), a few colors are on special for $30 per yard. I'm not sure if this is the HP grade stuff, their front page says they carry HP though

http://www.fabricshoppe.com/fabric/ultrasuede/intro.asp $59 per yard

http://www.gulffabrics.com/ no prices

http://www.tapiscorp.com/ no prices

 

Actually I'm no seamstress, is a "yard" of fabric/vinyl, etc 36" x 45" or 12" x ??"

 

I got a bunch samples from Ultrasuede

They're SWEET!

 

If you don't mind could you describe the different thicknesses and feel of the samples, which samples do you have, and where did you get them?

Thanks, Bob

 

NickSimcheck

(I posted for a searching later)