When I substitute something like this in a car that is over 50 years old I always give the substitute material a test.
1. If the product existed when the car was made, would the manufacturer have used it because it was easy to install; inexpensive; and functioned?
2. Does the product look like the original, obsolete item?
3. Is the material the product is made from of the period in which the car was produced?
I believe if the substitute ptoduct I used was around in the '50's it probably would still have been too labor intensive even if the pieces were die cut, but it still passes the test.
For these reasons I have used a self sticking "peel 'n stick" black felt that is a beautiful substitute; is 1/16" thick; cuts with a pair of scissors; sticks and stays stuck and lays flat and butts at the corners; and the only tools required are a pair of scissors and a ruler (measuring stick) and best of all there is no clean up.
The factory had a spray gun in their hands and conquered the problem by spraying a composite of glue and fibers to create somewhat of a texture of fabric that was very thin trying to create a felt like appearance. It was cheap from a labor standpoint but the materials and equipment were not.
Here is a great source;
SELF ADHESIVE FELT DRAWER LINER 12" X 36" PEEL STICK | eBay