The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs pre-'55 / 55-59 SUBURBAN LINOEUM project ...

Hello!
This is not an "ad".
It is is an informational post.
There's a similar one about a guy making rear bench seats to sell, so I know it's not frowned on.
2=I just want to see the interest level HERE becuase I have gotten wind of...I dunno "hostility" let's say about it (only here)for some reason.
(I know that doesn't make sense...did not to me either).
1=when I have some to sell, I'll advertise in your classifieds.

I am a Chevy wagon person, mostly and the early wagons were my first projects using this stuff.

I have been buying/disassembling floors in parts cars,removing the linoleum for make exact patterns,keeping samples (I will not do "1-size-fits-all" designs like the mass-produced plastic/vinyl replacement people do).
I have tried, wherever possible to make patterns from solid, dry unrestored vehicles. I have been lucky enough to find a NICE original 1956...

...and now am working on a project some of you guys actually working on these might like. A pre-55 Suburban (brown) "prototype".
Made of battleship linoleum.

If you don’t car about “stock” stuff, then don’t voice negative opinions on this item. That makes no sense. I seeit happen to people on forums, though, and I do not get it.

TWe are trying to get it routed to the same width/depth/ spacing as the original had.

I was surprised - finding a correct template in good shape (i.e. floor) was tougher than I thought it’s be. Even in dry climates, a lot of them are rumpled an rotten at the edges, it seems!

I am not selling anything right now - but there is just so much WRONG information on battleship linoleum, the application of it in early vehicles, etc. that it's frustrating.
Thought I would try to help if I could, and if you want a set, too…I can help soon, I think.

I know I had a heck of a time finding out much, initially!

I am opening this not just because I’ll have something for sale soon that’ll be the "right" old material, but also because even before I had a plan to make/sell...anything, wrong info. sent me all over the map just trying to get the stuff for myslef.

Woodie fiorums, Suburban forums, etc. There are always people interested, but not a lot of good info. From anyone who ever tried to use it.

the guy at Battleship Linoleum.com knows a lot about the material itself, and still sells it retail, last I knew.
And he doesn’t seem to me to be a “car guy” necessarily, but I see in the last couple of years has keyed into the wagon uses since that guy wrote an article in the Woodie Times about doing it in a Woodie wagon.
Mr. Lauria even sends free copies of the article, at your request with samples.

I recently even got a sample he sends out, done by one of his custonmers, with some sample grooves cut into it.
**(and it is 2.5mm thick, total, people…just like all the original stuff I have samples of!).

It can be done. You can do it yourself - if you’re handy. I am not going to insult your intelligence and say otherwise.
It’s just a lot of work, and the material is a “little” pricy at retail, but not if it’s the only one you are doing, for sure.

For us to resell these things we had to find a way to get it wholesale to make a big one like a Suburban worth doing.
Otherwise the material would be over $400. before even shipping it to us!
What we are trying to achieve is the look of a reproduction, not a replacement.

With this correct material you are ¾ of the way there trying to duplicate the look already, so I cannot take credit there.…the stuff IS the original material, so that part of it does itself.
The sheen and look is just like they came with.
It’s not like I am trying to pass off some sheet material I made had produced form vinyl…it’s battleship linoleum…
The only thing is trying to copy the tiny grooves at least “super close” to original, enough that it won’t look cartoony or soemthing.

Little trial and error there, but it’s going okay...and right on schedule.

...But I at least wanted to check interest levels and to let you know...someone's actually trying ot do this on a small scalle, at least.

With the 1948-54s, I was surprised...finding a correct template in good shape (i.e. floor) was tough.
I am not selling anything right now.
Trying to HELP.
I am a station wagon and Chevy Panel person, so the Suburbans were an after thought until recently...(mostly because there simply seem to be none here IN LAs Vegas, been looking for a while)...I am sure there are a couple of unrestored ones n backyards to pattern from somewhere here but I haven't found them yet.
So I am working with a couple of people with floors they have already removed.

I tried to read your posts, and don't understand your comments and why you are so angry. This is a site dedicated to improving, as well as sharing our knowledge about Stovebolts, not about hostility toward members. If a post contains incorrect information, let all of us know ,that not only is it incorrect, but most importantly,impart the right information so we can all improve our knowledge base.

If the linoleum flooring you are reproducing is correct and an appropriate thickness, share it with all of us, as I and many others have done. If you want to be secretive, I guarantee you that if there are problems with your"reproduction, not a replacement," negative criticism will go viral instantly and you can use your flooring to cover pole barn floors.

What the ____????!!!!

Ah the problem with the written word rears its ugly head again. I didn't perceive any anger in the posts although the thoughts and ideas are hard to follow. Let's hold the name calling and punching until we figure out what is actually trying to be said.

All I care about is that it is just like the original in the pattern. If needed. I am shure I can figure out how to cut the correct hole and edge cut. I just need a price. a Sample such as a picture and what colors will be avail. I know it can be redyed as you can buy the color in cans. You can even go to a GM Dealership and buy the dye. I once worked at a dealer and used the stuff!

Once you know a price I need to find out the shipping costs.

I hate all the go around about this subject.

Give a fair Price.
Maybe post a picture of the stuff.
Then we can go from there. I would like to install the correct stuff. I will be painting my interior somewhere around july and want to install the floor just after that.

thanks for your hard work

You're welcome. But I see you have some "questions" too.

I guess maybe you were thinking the color you'd want isn't available, so you were considering spray dying if necessary...shouldn't have to...what color were you after?

Curious on that, because I would kind of assume if you are wanting battleship linoleum you're either doing the interior all stock, or something close?
I wouldn't think the color scheme would be too wild even if you were straying from the original, right...?
What did you have in mind?

It does come in some brighter colors, but nothing I'd think you would want to have the floor done in.


You'd be surprised what colors are still being made.
A couple of reds, some greyish bues, etc. which would be good for later wagons.

The early Suburban color is pretty well matched in the brown that's available. And of course for the later ones, the black is still around.

====I am not going to be selling uncut, runing yardage already pre-grooved,. I am making a kit to fit, already cut for the vehicle intended. Thanks.

Well,get this kit together and show us some photos,I'm interested.I have a 1951 suburban that had the brown linoleum in it.What's the price and shipping cost going to be ?

Thanks,Tim

I remain interested as well and would love to see whatever you put together as a kit and pricing. Thanks for stepping in and trying to produce the flooring ... we all would love to have it if it comes together.

Torri

I think this is an important development for Suburban owners created by the power of the internet. I understand both the importance of the Stovebolt rules regarding sales of items on the board, and also the need to for the author "tapdance" at this juncture due to those rules. I for one, do not think that this is a "sales" thread and hope that the moderators continue to view it in this manner.
That being said, I'll be watching to see the final product as well as others. Thanks for going forward with it. This appears to be an enthusiast derived product, from someone with experience.

Because my burb is not all orig. I plan on changing the interior color to a gray. and to get away from that bad brown color. I just can not stand really. mine still has it. It just don't go well with army green that is orig. on the truck. So, I figure a gray would be better. dark gray is best if it is avail. but, If not. I can see what dyes are avail.


when will you have these avail?

Well, yeah...that is true on the green.
Then are you painting the metal inside a semi-gloss grey, not the tan?
==
((Just so this thread doesn't get all over the map, just PM me if you would on that)).
====
I actually found a 1952 GMC Suburban
Ambulance, and I was thinking of buying because there is very little rust and all the faded military markings and even the red lights and fender-mounted chrome siren…are intact...

Wanted to get it and maybe just restore the inside, polish up the (hate this over-used term)..."patina'd" outside.

==The linoleum is all gone, and I was thinking medium grey on that would look good, but also...I think most of the ambulance Suburbans I have seen (only 4-5) had that color of linoleum, instead of the brown anyway(?) Maybe this was the way they sent them to the custom body building companies...with grey. Who knows.
==But anyway - that anecdote is just to illustrate I am somewhat interested in these old relics.

But also…yes, there are several greys. We can discuss it more in a few weeks...I know you want to try to do yours at a certain time...I'll see what I can do about fine-tuning what I am working on by then and update in the meantime. THANKS for the interest.
Anyone else? Post your interest…I’ll get in contact with you when I have more to report…THANKS!

Mr. Poetsseatauto...I sent you (or think I did) a PM about 1 of your Suburbans listed...did it work?

yes, and I replyed. I will try to pm again for what was said above

Thanks for the responses so far. Please post on here, or I won't know you want info. when the time comes.
And it's an easy way to keep track of the list, too!

(Oh - I just got a lead on a place with a 10' x 10' CNC router table, will update on the thread).

Thanks.

I am also interested in flooring in the original brown color. please keep me posted also.

Mike

Thanks.

<<<<AND THAT REMINDS ME...

PLEASE TELL ME WHAT YEARS YOU ARE INTERESTED IN.>>>>

IT MIGHT GUIDE THE COURSE OF THE PROJECT.

~I ACTUALLY ALREADY HAVE A 1955-59 PATTERN THAT'S PRETTY GOOD, FROM A 1956! I JUST DIDN'T THINK THERE WOULD BE AS MUCH INTEREST IN THOSE YEARS.

~I AM STILL WORKING ON GETTING A GOOD 1948-55 1ST SERIERS TEMPLATE MADE NOW, BECAUSE I HEAR THE MOST REQUESTS FOR THAT BODY STYLE.
~~~~SO DO LET ME KNOW, THANKS!~~~~

So...about 5-6 peopl on here total? Let me know. Might not market the Suburban stuff.
It's no jokea big endeavor to do these...a lot of work to do accurately, and to get it true to an original template.
I didn't want to just make an "it'll work" replacement.
Funny - someone actually got offended at the fact that I said i was using original pieces and making a true reproduction. Weird.
Thanks.
Remember - I am the guy you need to let know, if you think you're going to want me to make a set any time in the near future. No one else is taking a list for me,
"1947/1959 Battleship Linoleum For the suburban - The Stovebolt Forums "...
Which is fine...- but let me know!
THANKS!

Sorry it took so long to get back to you, I have a 51 suburban. keep me posted as things proceed.

Thanks,

Mike

Are you still planning to make the rear linoleum for the 1947-1955.1 suburbans ? How many people do you need,to start making these ?

Thanks,Tim

>>>>Thanks for checking back in.
No, I am still working on it, and trying to work a deal with the CNC router place with ther BIG table, to save me having to run them off myself!
I don't need a certain amount to start. Thanks.

Great - thanks. ANd so you need black for that yuear, or...?

Can you please send me a PM referencing the contact info. you'd like me to have for my list.
Name,
Phone,
e-mail
are good, if you would.
THANKS.

Did the GMC Second Series Panels have linoleum? Where was it placed? In the back only front and back or front only?

no Doug, the panels didn't have any lino, just metal floor in front [about the same as the pickup] and plywood in back with skid strips, it was the 'burbs that had lino in the back only

Bill

Sample$ soon.

Thanks.

I am waiting to see them....

Count me in, 1955 2nd, Black Flooring

Will your kit work if the floor is not being removed? Mine wood is in very good shape, the lin. isn't.

I'll wait for samples and prices

YES count me in for 1955 2nd BLACK please, what is the total cost shipping to Southern California??

Thanks in advance,
Pee-Wee.

Need 3 '57s

Seriously? 3, and they're all going ot be mostly stock?
Cool - good to hear.
Nice that there are so many restoration of these, not just customs being built.

===Why the slow moving?"...:


I really thought I would I woulld get hardly any interest in the Suburban crowd.
Plus...I never started searching out a good floor to do it until recently, because there are SEVERAL "good" reasons NOT to do these. (Until I found out there is sufficient interest to go ahead, now!)...
Issues with Suburban floors...
size being the "biggest" reason.
Not because of the expense of material (long-time Suburbna enthusiasts already know its costly stuff, even before grooving,etc.)...
but more because of making a mistake on say, the 20th groove!
Wa$tes a BIG piece of expensive material.

But - The the response I have seen to this idea has made me put in the extra effort to seek out a company with a CNC router table this big, AND willing to take in work, to do some ogf them. It take me a long time with a jig/router set up...so we will see.
If that option works out, it will eliminate any "quality control" issues that might crop up.

hi guys did anybody find if we can buy any linoeum for the carryalls ? sure do need some e-mail me off list waHL4M@AOL.COM THANKS MIKE

Mike,

What color linoleum do you need? Battleship Linoleum has the brown and a few other colors.

http://www.battleshiplinoleum.com/Colors.htm

Just curious...why ask that here?

Seems most everyone knows where to get "the material", from the middlem,an who markets it.

You can buy it anytime with no routing done (just the rawe material), for almost $8./sq ft. From one source in the car hobby.
That is all specializes in. Also he will now send a sample someone cut BIG, wide grooves in once he bacame aware that people wanted to do this, and had a customer do some up.
By the way - there's no readily available bit on the market to duplicate the Suburban linoleum's grooves that I could find...I had some made!

BURBflooring,

Just Curious ... When are you going to anwser the questions we are all wanting to know?

When will this be avaliable and How much?
When can we see an installed photo?

???!!!

Sorry - this item (which has been the only "correct" stock detail not easily available up to now)...seems to make "some" people upset.
The 10 or so of you who responded like I expected - ("great - put me on the list of those interested when it's ready")...

THANKS!

He had no problem PM me to talk. Maybe that is what he has done with the others? He knows I am looking for a set for my truck and he said he would send me a sample once he has them.

Yeop- I never said (ever) I have something to sell now. I just let the hobbyists know I was working on it, and close to having something "to show for it".

I have already duplicated the grooving on some early Ford wagons pretty closely, and was happy with the results.
The Suburbans were kind of an "afterthought", actually, because of the amount of work involved, etc..

Nice to hear so many peopl want the original-type stuff.
So we kind of put all the attention into it first!

You can take a router, get a straight but and cut some lines into it..but it's preetty hard to get one small enough and the right shape to do it like the otriginal material - that's been the challenge. Has bits made, finally!