alj

I have a 1985 F402 and am searching for vinyl. I've done all the typical things like visit all the uphostery shops in a 15 state area, but i'm not finding a) the correct colors and b) the same quality materials. I've been in touch with Formula and they are helpful up to a point. This is certainly an old boat, but Formula doesn't have information on their old vendors (or they don't want to share it) They will, however, sell me new material they use in 2003 models. I thought that might be the answer since they have the orange, yellow, and red in their new imron packages. Unfortunately the new yellow is too dead, the orange isn't bright enough, and they don't do the gray now. So after visiting the dealers to see the colors, I called Formula back to see if I could contact the manufacturer about different colors they might have, I was told that the materials were proprietary to Formula. Back to square one.
I would like to match up colors if possible, as I'm only repairing a small area of the cockpit. It is also important to try and match grain, and especially the weight of the material. The reason formulas vinyls don't wrinkle in the wind is because of their quality and weight. Does ANYONE know anything about who was manufacturing vinyl for Formula in 1985? Short of that, does anyone know who is doing their vinyl now? How about anyone who has had really good luck with material on their boats that was so close to original that you couldn't tell the difference. Let me Know.

Thanks-Al

Audiofn

I did not see this and replied in the technical Q+A area.

Jon

mfb357

Alj, I have an 86 357 I redid all my vinyl ,my colors are the red/maroon ,grey, black and white scheme. I bought the material at a dealer called, Red Rum in Norwood Mass. I did away with the seams to stop water from flowing in. Let me know if I can help. Mark B.

alj

Hey Mark,
Was Red Rum a Formula dealer? Neccesity is a great research tool. In just the last few days i've found that Formula probably used a product called Nautolex or Boltaflex by the Omnova corp. in Ohio. I've got an almost perfect match except for the yellow. I have a feeling that Formula may have been able to have Omnova specially manufacture Something from the Nautolex line (pattern) in Boltaflex colors. I'm not quite sure. Anyway, I'm on the right track thanks to you guys. Please keep the info coming.......Al