456/12 convertible question

[sashua]

I need to find someone here who owns a vintage 456/12 convertible or else has very detailed knowledge of them. I need to find out what material specifically is used in between the two pickguards. It is black in color and John at Rickenbacker seems to think it is a black ABS plastic material but he is not entirely sure.

I just purchased a vintage 1968 beauty but the plate or material in question has been replaced with a white "leatherette" type material which is not historically accurate for this year and model.

Can someone please come to my rescue here with the exact type of material, the thickness of it and even the manufacturer's name if possible?

Thanks all!
Russ