What is the closes modern equivalent for DuPont Fabrikoid

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Linus Tremaine
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What is the closes modern equivalent for DuPont Fabrikoid

Post by Linus Tremaine » Mon Jun 29, 2020 2:11 pm

I want to have some runningboard boxes made and cover them with black covers that snap on. I think the original ones were covered in Fabrokoid. This is that black faux leather stuff that you have all probably seen on trunks etc that is usually shrunken and cracked.

I suppose the closest modern material would just be long grain top material?

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Henry K. Lee
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Re: What is the closes modern equivalent for DuPont Fabrikoid

Post by Henry K. Lee » Mon Jun 29, 2020 2:49 pm

The e b a y has faux covering of various grains and patterns. That's where I have found stuff for my odd cars.

Hope this Helps,

Hank


Scott_Conger
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Re: What is the closes modern equivalent for DuPont Fabrikoid

Post by Scott_Conger » Mon Jun 29, 2020 3:07 pm

Since Naugahyde was a contemporary competitor and can still be bought, I can't help but think you will be able to replicate what you need by doing an internet search using "Naugahyde" for the search.
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Rich Bingham
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Re: What is the closes modern equivalent for DuPont Fabrikoid

Post by Rich Bingham » Mon Jun 29, 2020 3:24 pm

I’m frequently amazed at the factoids that emerge on this forum. Linus, I hope you’ll keep us posted on what you discover (and re-cover ;) ) for your project.

FWIW, the references made me aware that DuPont Fabrikoid was a nitrocellulose material on cotton backing, and that “Naugahyde” (U. S. Rubber Co. product made in Naugatuck, Conn.) is much older than I ever knew ! Originally a rubber material married to a cotton backing, it later became an expanded vinyl on a synthetic knit backing, quite different from the original product introduced in 1914. I’d be interested to learn what materials currently available most closely resemble the period stuff.
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Squirrel
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Re: What is the closes modern equivalent for DuPont Fabrikoid

Post by Squirrel » Mon Jun 29, 2020 3:46 pm

I've been working on the interior on my 27 coupe, and noticed that it has weatherstrip, of sorts, at the front of the door, and above the door. These are both welt, as I understand what welt is. The vertical piece (the one that's opened, as well as the one to the right of it that's still closed) might be Naugahyde, wrapped around a rubber rod. The horizontal piece (on the left in my picture) might be Fabrikoid, wrapped around a paper cord.

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welt.jpg


John kuehn
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Re: What is the closes modern equivalent for DuPont Fabrikoid

Post by John kuehn » Mon Jun 29, 2020 5:45 pm

The window channels you can buy in long lengths or ready cut to length for your car. Snyder’s and Lang’s carry it I believe. I bought the long lengths for my 24 Coupe and cut to fit. It’s pretty close to the original size and look.
Don’t know for sure but Model A felt window channel may be close to the same for the metal frame T doors like yours. It was sold like that because it was the only avaliable channel at the time. Maybe be different now and more types may be avaliable.
The rest of the door trim may not be exact either. It wasn’t when I was working on my 24 Coupe. I bought and used what was avaliable at the time.


Jerry VanOoteghem
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Re: What is the closes modern equivalent for DuPont Fabrikoid

Post by Jerry VanOoteghem » Mon Jun 29, 2020 7:24 pm

Linus,

Do a search for Tolex on Amazon.com

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=tolex&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

Is this what you want?

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Henry K. Lee
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Re: What is the closes modern equivalent for DuPont Fabrikoid

Post by Henry K. Lee » Mon Jun 29, 2020 7:38 pm

Another Excellent source

http://www.rochfordsupply.com


Hank

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TRDxB2
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Re: What is the closes modern equivalent for DuPont Fabrikoid

Post by TRDxB2 » Mon Jun 29, 2020 10:22 pm

Here are some images of the material. By the way Fabrikoid was a nitrocellulose material which is highly flammable.
1920s-vtg-dupont-fabrikoid.jpg
fabrikoidimprove.jpg
fabrikoidimprove.jpg (64.94 KiB) Viewed 2862 times
Take a look at this faux leather https://www.etsy.com/listing/509094157/ ... gKpI_D_BwE
Polyurethane faux leather.png
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