'Salt and pepper' loop carpet

[Alan Smithee]

Greetings - Has anyone recently researched replacement of 'salt and pepper' loop carpet?  I have a sample from GAHH, but it is not very close to OEM.  I have requested a sample from KHM, but I suspect it is the same stuff; their catalog has the same '427 charcoal' reference number as GAHH.  Requests in to Heritage and SL Shop as well.  Any other suggestions?  Thanks in advance.

[mda]

https://www.worlduph.com/

[114015]

This one here:

https://www.cabrio.de/de/teppiche/teppichmaterialien/haargarn-boucle


No. 416.

[Tx246]

I am also looking for this.

The modern samples appear more as a light charcoal/dark charcoal blend and are way different than the original.

Looking at the German site, Cabrio, it look the same, way darker

[Tx246]

Here you can see the contrast

[lreppond]

It is my understanding that there is only one mill in Germany currently producing nylon loop carpets.  So it’s pretty much a “take it or leave it” situation. 

[Alan Smithee]

This one here:

https://www.cabrio.de/de/teppiche/teppichmaterialien/haargarn-boucle


No. 416.

KHM = cabrio.de

Should be getting a sample from them soon to see if it differs from GAHH.

Also requested from World.  Thanks @mda!

[Alan Smithee]

Here you can see the contrast

Where is that sample from, and have you confirmed others are the same?

[Tx246]

GAHH

[mdsalemi]

Have you tried these firms for samples?

https://www.yourautotrim.com/locablauclst.html
https://dorsettind.com/automotive/
https://www.upholsterysupplyusa.com/products/german-loop-pile-carpet

Even the Classic Center in its restorations, must sometimes compromise for parts/products that are NLA. There have been stories of the detail on certain paint colors on Gull Wings, for example, where the materials that comprised the exact composition of the paint (and thus its precise appearance) are simply not available today.

Our own member AlexD restored some of his interior some years ago, and the turquoise carpet color was not available anywhere (nothing even remotely close), and Alex didn't quit on his search. He finally found a professor at a university with a carpet science laboratory, and pilot line for carpet dyeing. After a few attempts with different carpet bases and color dyes, the professor nailed it. Now, it was an exhaustive, time consuming and elaborate (probably costly, too) process that only the most tenacious would attempt...Alex's task was documented in a past issue of Pagoda World magazine.

[Alan Smithee]

It is my understanding that there is only one mill in Germany currently producing nylon loop carpets.  So it’s pretty much a “take it or leave it” situation.

I had heard the same thing from various sources locally...although China instead of Germany.

However, after receiving samples, it is clear there is significant variation from the well known W113 suppliers.  From top to bottom:

KHM (cabrio.de)
Heritage Upholstery
GAHH
World Upholstery
My upholsterer's wholesale source

The only clear duplicate was Bud's and GAHH.

[lreppond]

I went through the same situation as you’re experiencing.  What you might not realize is that these cuttings are not necessarily in stock.  They cut up a bunch of pieces and send them out as samples even though they may have no stock. (That was my experience with World and Heritage.) Then when the new stock comes in it’s completely different.  It’s frustrating and so disappointing.  Before ordering anything be certain the sample material is exactly what will be used in your fabrication. 

 Btw, Buds get his upholstery kits through GAHH!

[lreppond]

Thought you might enjoy seeing what I had originally and the closest match that would work.  It’s like day and night.  However, in the end I like the new stuff better than the old.  But I think you’ll agree it’s a completely different look.

[Alan Smithee]

I’m sure there is variation, and none of the samples are the same as OEM in color, contrast, or texture.  Just wanted to point out there are many ‘salt and pepper’ choices out there, unlike what I was led to believe.  The backing is very different for each, so unlikely any were sourced from the same place.

[Alan Smithee]

I am also looking for this.

The modern samples appear more as a light charcoal/dark charcoal blend and are way different than the original.

Uncovering an edge that has never seen daylight revealed the original to be much darker and with less contrast than expected, even when compared to an area like the lower seat back that is not very exposed.

[Starchild]

I have been looking at new "salt and pepper" carpet as well. Current photo's of my "salt and pepper" carpets from my 1970 280SL. I have owned the car for over 30 years. One photo is the passenger side carpet that has had a floor mat over it for all of my 30 years of ownership. You can see the fade at the bottom left where the mat didn't completely cover the carpet.  The other photo is the parcel shelf where the sun has faded the carpet further. The back wall of the parcel shelf is even more faded than the bottom panels. I think these carpets originally were much darker and really were not the lighter "salt and pepper" we see today but a much darker variegated charcoal. My opinion, charcoal sample from Upholstery Supply USA may be the best match of what may have been used originally. Being use to the gradually fading look after thirty years, anything darker now looks wrong to my eye.

[Starchild]

The parcel shelf carpet

[Alan Smithee]

Being use to the gradually fading look after thirty years, anything darker now looks wrong to my eye.

I agree completely.  It made the decision on which to go with even harder...I ended up with something in the middle.  Will post pics when I get the car back.

[Tx246]

If any one has old material or scraps, I am interested.