Source for thin vinyl covering, as on old radios

[FStephenMasek]

I am trying to find a source for the thing vinyl (I think) covering, as was used on suitcase-style record players, portable radios, and so forth in the 30's and 40s. It is thinner than the imitation leathers (Naugahyde or Tolex), and many patterns were (and I hope are) made. Thanks!

 

[LizzieMaine]

What you're looking for is leatherette -- it's a sort of fake leather backed with thin cloth or paper. Probably the best place to find it in sheet form would be a bookbinding supply shop -- it's often used in rebinding books.

 

[Warbaby]

Both the black and "tweed" Tolex are still available from vintage guitar and amp restoration suppliers. Just google "Tolex" and you'll find a bunch of sources.

 

[Flivver]

Sometimes it's possible to find an exact match for portable radio coverings on vintage suitcases of the same era. Usually a small old suitcase can be had very inexpensively at a flea market or second hand shop.

 

[KittyT]

It may also be possible to find such an item in a fabric store or upholstery shop.