Long-time TTAC readers will recall my infatuation with Couch Guitar Straps and their MB-Tex “upcycled” products. Couch doesn’t just do Benz-based stuff, however; they make a very popular guitar strap from Fleetwood Talisman roof vinyl and various other products from Ford trunk linings, VW Beetle seat vinyl, and Seventies Pontiac upholstery.
This morning, Couch spammed me with something about a limited run of bright-green upcycled-from-seatbelts guitar straps, and while I was reflexively clicking the “Buy Now!” button like Pavlov’s pup I noticed a few new items for the Murilee Martin crowd.
The bag pictured above is made from 1974 Chrysler upholstery and it can be found here. If, like me, you were born in ’71 and barely remember 1974, this next item might be more useful.
This is a one-of-a-kind ’78 Chrysler vinyl bag complete with the ID tag re-sewn up front. I desperately want to buy this but I’m thinking maybe a TTAC reader out there might be an even bigger Mopar fan than I am. Check it out. Tell them Jack sent you, or don’t. If you do, ask them who the blonde girl is in the photos and inquire as to her enthusiasm for middle-aged club racers.
Disclaimer: Nothing to disclaim. I’ve bought over 20 straps and other items from Couch, always paid full price. On the other hand, I hear that some guy from Motor Trend was bragging about being driven around Paris in an S-Class provided by Mercedes-Benz. You might want to consider that when you read his next Benz review.
I adore the MB-Tex wallet and 2 guitar straps (Caddy vinyl roof and Mustang trunk liner) I bought from them on your previous recommendation. I’m due for a new man-purse, so this is very timely.
oooh, the blond girl is so hip, what’s with her black eyebrows contrasted with bleached hair, blue bike and red sideways-mounted tail light, that i know that the bike is a fixie and she doesn’t shave. which makes me start to question Jack’s tastes in everything.
I don’t care, I would still hit it like Tunguska.
http://www.kimwhitehandbags.com/automotive/specialedition.html Kim White did it first, and better
I recall a similar product being sold at the shop inside the Peterson museum in L.A. years ago.
Chrysler materials, huh? Okay…if that’s true, I want an AMC Levi’s denim beach bag for wifey! Un-sat-upon, un-ripped-at-the-seams, un-butt-sprung-seat material, of course…
All very nice, but can I get one in soft, Corinthian leather?
Just ordered a red MB-tex wallet! I had no idea something this awesome existed.
I got my red MB-tex and brown VW wallets after your previous article, awesome stuffs. Also got a couple belts.
Still haven’t decided on a strap for my Butterscotch Tele, though. Any suggestions? Right now i’m thinkng Vintage Cadillac Sunburst or Black Vintage GTO.
After your last post about Couch, I went off and bought a VW wallet and a GTO passport wallet. Both have seen heavy use, and are worth quite a bit more than their asking prices.
After much difficult debate, I chose the tan chevron GMC truck vinyl wallet – it was tough to decide between that and the MB Tex and VW vinyl. I ordered it not long after that original article and I love it.
Um, Jack? Click the link you posted for the “blond”. Unless you’re being even more tongue in cheek than usual; they updated the photo just for you.
Is this used upholstery we’re talking about? Gack.
It’s either new stuff, or in the case of “deadstock” items it’s unused stuff that has been sitting in some warehouse for a few decades.
The Couch webiste has this to say:
Deadstock refers to, in this case, vintage vinyl that is no longer made. We generarally define vintage as 1980’s or earlier. This can refer to “New Old Stock” (N.O.S.) vinyl, or half used rolls of vinyl that have been sitting on a shelf for years waiting for us to come along and turn it into straps. In many cases, it’s a “throwaway product” that we resurrect to make really cool straps! Once a certain color or style is gone though, it’s really gone.
Great shop! Thanks for the tip.
I got the seatbelt camera strap.