Where to find vinyl like the original - pillar trim - rocker panel threshold

[inline6]

I've started searching online for the vinyls which could be suitable replacements for the original that was used by Nissan on my car, a 1971 240z.  For now, I am specifically looking at the A pillar, and front windshield header trim, and I am looking at the vinyl which was used as a covering on the black metal trim piece, which I call rocker panel threshold trim.  I am looking for suitable new vinyl materials which are "close" replacements. 

So far, I have determined that there are vinyls with "backing" and "non-backed" vinyls.  However, searching for suitable replacements is not going well.  Anyone have any luck sourcing vinyl that is close or anyone have any advice to help me source these?

Pics for reference:

A-Pillar trim (has backing):

    

Rocker threshold - Early type with vinyl covering (non-backed) - also interesting that the underside is bare metal - no paint or primer and very susceptible to rust:

    

 

Rocker threshold - Late type with crinkle paint - note: primer/paint on the under surface:

    

 

Edited August 24, 2022 by inline6

[inline6]

I've been searching on and off again over the last few days to try to find suitable vinyl replacements for the areas mentioned above.  Tonight, I came across a vinyl that looks similar to the original vinyl glued onto the scuff plates.  It took me a while to realize that I needed to search for "vinyl wrap".  I kept searching for non-backed vinyl and was coming up with nothing.  

Ebay auction 

It is cheap enough ($10 including shipping), so I think it is worth a try.  I haven't yet found an A pillar trim that looks like the original material.  I have found some that are nice.  My trim pillar trim was carefully removed and is reusable.  I may go that route.

[zKars]

Interesting solution. Can’t quite make out the pattern.

I might suggest going to a big vehicle upholstery shop in your area and having them look through their sample books and suppliers for various vinyl patterns. I couldn’t believe the number of options they showed me when I did this years ago.

[inline6]

Here is a closeup of the material on Ebay:

[CanTechZ]

Here is a close up picture showing the difference in texture and color of the old and new scuff plates. I purchased the old vinyl wrapped one in 1984 and got the newer texture painted one in 2015, neither one has been used.

 

Another interesting fact about the early ones is that they first came with a five hole pattern, and the holes are dimpled. I still have a rough five hole one that I saved when I put on a replacement in 1984. The inner rockers on my car, both have five holes to match.

For reference here is my collection. The two with pink tags have been on my 7/70 car from 1979 and 1984 respectively, until I removed them for my current restoration.

 

Edited August 30, 2022 by CanTechZ

[inline6]

This is great!  Thanks for posting these pics.


Another material I have been looking for is a vinyl for the tool storage compartments.  I have had sourcing some used ones on my list for a very long time, but haven't been able to find anything.  

I am contemplating using a cloth material - gluing it to a 1/8" foam backing to "semi" replicate the original look.  Here is a cloth I found:

                  

 

https://www.decorativefabricsdirect.com/MORSE-BLACK-Diamond-Fabric-p/7036211.htm

This vinyl would probably be more durable, but looks considerably different:

https://www.fabricguru.com/marine-vinyl/marine-vinyl-diamond-outdoor-fabric-black.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw6raYBhB7EiwABge5Kl3cwLQmn_bZARZ-xjpzzLBqujGFLs8qjcoWdEbapQ8zzvbzNIH3HBoCCCwQAvD_BwE

 

Edited August 31, 2022 by inline6