As a 'dealer', I have to respond. I can sell the stretch stuff for less
than $60, ($17/running yard/80 inches wide. heel pad, grommet $4.00) but
it's apples and oranges. The raw factory carpet is under $25 a running
yard too, the extra cost in the labor, edge binding and padding, i.e. a
C-K carpet set is sewn up from maybe a dozen pieces to fit the floor
contour and the carpet and padding is cut to fit.
  The glue-in stuff works and looks fine, but is not as plush or
durable as the factory style padded stuff not to mention it's not the
best choice if you have a floor mounted master cylinder or AT fill to
get to.<g>

Dear Uncle John-
(Uncle John really was {now deceased} a family member, who was a "not so
reputable " car saleman. He was always a hit at the family picnics.)

The padding came from Lowes, a good 7lb rebond, that took maybe a hour and a
half to install, and costs $10.00. (I now have a total of $62. invested.)
It installs easily, and provides great soundproofing.

The actual carpeting, will take no more than 4 hours. (once the weather
warms up a bit.)

Your price was $200 including shipping.

It seems as though I have saved $132. But I have also invested 5 and a half
hours of my time. That comes out to be $24 per hour (not bad wages, even by
today's standards), and I also enjoyed the task, as it is part of the hobby.

These are the types of projects that are part of the hobby, and need to be
shared  via the club newsletters, making member aware of where they may save
a few dollars (we all need to do that, right??) and still enjoy the hobby.
Helps keep the Studebaker rolling.
I'll bet there are lots more options out there.

As a consumer, I have a choice, be it based on price or whatever. (mostly
"whatever") <G>.

I also found seat covers from www.automotiveinteriors.com, a great deal less
that posted elsewhere. Now the cost of the hobby is becoming
manageable.<happy - g>

Thanks for the inspiration John.
(you needed the competition anyway, right?? )

Jim