Classic/Antique Car Repair: Vinyl Upholstery, old geezer, car upholstery

Question
I am looking to replace the vinyl on some retro style diner chairs.  I need help in locating a deep red sparkle vinyl (3 yards) and I thought maybe you could help me.  I thought you may use that type of fabric in car upholstery.  I live in the Chicagoland area.  Thanks in advance for your help!

Answer
Wow, this is a strange one!   I'm an old geezer, so I do remember the type of upholstery you are looking for, but I don't beleive this sort of shiny, smooth vinyl was ever used in cars.  Car vinyl is called "hair cell vinyl" and has a sort of leather look to it, more or less (depending on the quality of the vinyl).

I asked my wife, and she thinks you should check with the folks who make 50's style restaurant furniture for the currently fashionable retro-diners.   There is a restaurant chain out here in California that uses that sort of vinyl on their stools and booths - so someone is still making it, but I have no idea how to contact them.   I'd try a google search for "50's style vinyl" to see what you come up with.

Good luck!

Dick.