Imperial Home Page -> Parts -> Vendors -> Reviews -> SMS Auto Restorations
Below are a few reviews of SMS Auto Fabrics. If you would like to include a review of this vendor, please fill out our form and we will add your comments as soon as possible. Make sure to include your email address because we will not include your review without a verifiable address. After you write your review, you will receive an automated response from us which will confirm your email address and shortly after, your comments will be added to this page. Thank you so much for your participation! We appreciate your comments!!
Michael H. wrote:
I have just returned from a quick trip to SMS Upholstery here in Oregon. Here is what I learned: Very nice people there, they took the time to answer ALL my questions. They had 6 people (that I could see) on the phones, and the phones never stopped ringing the whole time I was there. I talked to the owner and he took the time to look up the orders from Philippe's friend M. Mendez (France) and Elisabeth (Sweden).
Regarding M. Mendez' order, He told me that their mill supplier (in New Jersey) had sent some vinyl back to Portland, but the "Pewter" color did not match, so they had to re-order the vinyl to match the original samples from M. Mendez (which I saw). They also had a problem with the embossing of one of the vinyls. They are very meticulious and will only send the order out if it is perfect and correct.
Regarding Elisabeth's order, he showed me the order and said there were 6 different cars that she was buying material for. He said that some of the fabrics had to be specially made at the mill in New Jersey and might take 2 weeks, 2 months, or 6 months.
One thing he kept saying was that people don't realize that some of these orders may take 6 months or longer, he said the best thing to do is to plan ahead and allow at least 6 months for any fabrics, or panels, or vinyl, that might have to be dyed, or embossed, or made from scratch.
He was very concerned about his customers, his office was well organized and it only took him seconds to find M. Mendez' order and also Elisabeth's order. This was significant as they are also in the middle of a major move, moving the whole business from Portland to Canby (a small suburb of Portland) and into a larger warehouse.
I have no involvement with this company, I went there in person to help the people on the IML list, and to see what they have available for my Imperials.
Eric wrote:
I have bought a few items from SMS here in Portland, Oregon. Being local, I've been able to go directly into their store/warehouse, which is a treat to any car oriented person. They have rolls and rolls and rolls of OEM auto fabric. They even had some of the ivy gold cloth for my '72 Newport.
I redid the headliner in a '63 NY Salon I had years ago, they provided the material. The material turned out to be stained. They made good on it, but it was important to speak with the more helpful people in their office, I recall one individual that wasn't very helpful. Again this was years ago.
My most recent trip there was this spring. A very knowledgeable employee found my material for my '72 and even made quite a deal as some of it was remnant pieces. I don't have experience w/thier carpet sets, but they are likely capable of doing a correct job.
Gerry wrote:
It took over a year to get seat and headliner material which was understandable. I ordered a pre-sewn headliner which was another mistake. The seams did not line up with the hoops by about 3 inches and we had a terrible time to get the thing to fit. Thank goodness my upholstery guy was extremely patient. The seat material is very nice and pretty much looks like the original stuff.
In future I would not order a pre-cut carpet or headliner. Get your upholstery person to do it up after they receive the material.
David M. wrote:
I have to say that I ordered and got the headliner for my '66 Crown Coupe very fast. I found that SMS supplied me with the correct stuff and made it up perfectly and not expensive either. I recently ordered material for seats and headliner again made up for my '55 Imperial and once again, excellent service was provided.
I live in England and service like this is much appreciated, whilst I don't doubt people can have long waits for stuff I can only speak as I find and SMS has been A1 all the way for me.
John wrote:
In case anyone is curious, I have dealt with SMS fabrics. I got my headliner and three hides of black leather for my interior. The leather was a near perfect match to the original which had very little grain. It was twice as much as the next expensive place I researched, but ultimately worth it. It should be noted that my interior guy at Henkel's in Pasadena, CA, (great work) said the leather had a lot of imperfections in it, making his job a little harder. He had to find the cleanest parts to put in the most noticeable places. In the end, my seats look great! but I did pay a lot for it.
As for the headliner, the material was a perfect match; the color, the hole pattern, they even stitched it correctly. All I had to do was pull down my old one and install the ribs in the new headliner and install; a lot harder that it sounds believe me. The only problem I had with them was that they sent me an extra piece of fabric for the rear window and two side pieces (where the reading lamps are) that was way too small. It was enough for the side pieces but not even close for the rear window. I explained to them my problem, and they said they'd be glad to send me another piece large enough. But I had to pay for it! What could I do? They had me by the jewels, I acquiesced. They sent me the piece, about two months later.End of story: SMS has the right stuff, they are friendly, but they do take their time (a good thing, I guess). I just wish their customer service was of a slightly higher caliber. If I paid you for a complete headliner, I expect a complete headliner, should I have to pay for your miscalculations? Oh well, it's all history. My interior looks great and more importantly, feels luxuriuos.
(13 Sep 2004) Eric K. wrote:
PERFECT MATCH FOR MY INTERIOR OF MY 66 PLYMOUTH BELVEDERE 2.I HAD BEEN TRYING TO GET HIS MATERIAL FROM OTHER SOURCES FOR ALMOST 19 YEARS AND THEY HAD IT READY TO SHIP.GREAT PEOPLE
ERIC K.
CUMMING GEORGIA
(15 Jul 2007) Mark Reynolds wrote:
Ordered fabric + vinyl for my 58 Imperial from SMS vs. Original Auto based on SMS claim they had the original trim books. Not true (they admitted it later), since they sent two completely wrong vinyls. Finally after twice loosing my samples sent a marginally acceptable vinyl. I am not happy, try the supplier in St. Lair Mi first.
(8 August 2007) Mike wrote:
charged my card over 1200 and never received Items, no one will speak to me from SMS Do not deal with sms.
(26 Aug 2008) Gary Leonard wrote:
I ordered cloth insert fabric blue / black hounds tooth for my 76 ford bronco it took about 4 months to get , they do take their sweet time, but it was nice stuff and looks great
(13 July 2009) Franke Priore wrote:
Wow a mixed bag of reviews for sure. I had a very good experience with SMS about 2 years ago. I ordered cloth and vinyl for my 73 Olds 88 Royale and they hit the mark. Cloth and vinyl matched my door panels and I reused the buttons on my seats with their original covering and had a very good match. The materiel is wearing well and I drive this car weekly or more. I just received samples for my 67 Plymouth Fury II two door sedan and they are correct and in stock. I wish I hadn't read some of these negative reviews and I'm sorry some of you had trouble.I guess I'll have to hope I have the same results as my first order and try them again. Good luck with your restorations. Frank P. Indian Trail NC
(9 Nov 2009) Jon Limes wrote:
I just wanted to give a follow up to my experience with SMS. I am restoring 1970 Ramair 4 Trans am. SMS finished the order and all material is perfect. They worked with me and we resolved any issues I had, the material, comfortweave, is the perfect color and thickness as original. All the heat pressed pleats are as original, and so is the backing material. I am in the process of have the seat covers made, and the front seats are just about done, and you can not tell from original. Jon Limes
(14 Dec 2009) Bill Lile wrote:
i had sms do my door panels for my 64 ford galaxie 500xl.I was impressed by the way they turned out. no one else was able to reproduce them.it took awhile but they look better than orignal.
(12 Feb 2010) Mark Evans wrote:
I have been waiting for 1 year for my material that I was told would only take months, it wouldnt be so bad if I got a call ounce in a while to let me know what is happening to my order but I get nothing for my money that they quickly charged my credit card, I wonder if Doug at SMS will send me flowers for our anniversary.
(26 May 2010) Eddie wrote:
SMS is terrible. I have been waiting close to a year for my fabric for my '57 Imperial. I have called numerous times and have sent monthly emails as to where is my material. I get the same answer, it takes time, your order is being made up right now. My order was supposed to be finished in 3 months.
(17 Jun 2010) Larry Fournier wrote:
After reading the reviews about it taking a year maybe I am not the Lone Ranger. My credit card was charged in Jan 2010 and I am still waiting for the material six months later. They respond if I e-mail and ask. They keep saying it will take a little more time. They have not met the promises yet.
(30 Aug 2010) Dave Nicholas wrote:
Would not recommend. For the most part a scam. Do not give them a credit card. Only COD. They charge you account and any changes are your problem. It will take months to receive a refund. Buyer Beware! Cash only on delivery.
(17 Jan 2011) Julian Sinclair wrote:
Was looking for four yards of vinyl material. Have just been charged close to $1000 off my card, no one is talking to me now after very quick reply's from sms to set up the order. Thats $250 dollars a yard of vinyl, these guys are straight fraudsters how they are able to operate is beyond me. Stay the hell away from this company!!!
(27 Feb 2011) Gabriella Johnson wrote:
I am so pleased and absolutely thrilled with the craftsmanship of the door panels that were done by SMS for my '62 Imperial. Outstanding work. Well worth the wait.
(25 Sep 2011) Connie Collins wrote:
I have been in the auto upholstery business for 35 years and decided to quit working with SMS, It is too frustrating to deal with the excuses and misakes on every order. I have been trying to get an order corrected since may of 2010. No incentive to be effecient when you pay up front. Hope to find another company that can build the dyes we need.
(4 Nov 2011) Jim Free wrote:
I'm not one to bash a company, but people should know what to expect when dealing with SMS. I would avoid them by any means necessary if you can...and the top upholstery shop in my area would tell you the same...and almost everyone I've ever talked to at a car show that used this company has a similar "SMS story". It wasn't until I told them that that my credit card company was prepared to go after them for fraud and reinbursment, did they actually respond. It wasn't a threat...my credit card company couldn't believe the situation and really was prepared to take care of it. Long story short, it took 2 years to get my door panels...in which I was originally told 6 months. It was a lot of over-promising and under-delivery for the next 1.5years after. When I finally received the order, the one set was perfect...they really did do a great job. The other set was flawed in several ways and looked like a sloppy rush job (the layout was completely off from panel-to-panel). So , I sent them back. They had to completely redo the job, but the second time around, even though the layout was corrected, the foil stamp process was flawed...flaws that are very very visible and to this day bug me...but after two years and a lot of stress/energy/time I said the hell with it. SMS has the ability to be great company...they have or can source very rare fabric...they have the talent (although inconsistant), but what they truly lack is honesty and ANY understanding of customer service. Be prepared to feel like you are doing THEM a favor with your business and you can "take it or leave it." I'd leave it if you can.
(21 Dec 2011) Mats Bergstrom wrote:
I live in Sweden and need material for seats in my 1959 Mercury. I have tried several auto upholstery companies with no luck but they responded to my request in a few weeks with samples of the correct original material they had in stock. I placed my order and gave my credit card number and shortly after that they charged my card $1015. Thats three weeks ago now. I asked for a tracking number for the parcel a few days ago and they answered the next day saying that the vinyl and cloth was ready and they were matching the thread I had ordered for sewing the upholstery. So far I have no reason to doubt their services. My contact is a guy named Doug. Comments on this?
(17 Jan 2012) Mats Bergstrom wrote:
Now,heres an update to my business with SMS: One week ago the materials I ordered arrived to my door. All in perfect condition and exactly as the samples I received earlier. So from my sample request until I had the stuff at home less than two months and that includes overseas shipping! I have nothing but the best recommendations to give!
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