Just on the point of judging, there are guidelines available at
Packards International Judging Guidelines. You might find that some judges 'allow' some different material and don't deduct points but the guidelines do state clearly here that "
Redone upholstery is critically judged. It must be in the correct material to the year of the car".
That seems to indicate that judges could mark down if leather is substituted for original vinyl. Opinions do vary but in the strictest sense, if vinyl was present in the original upholstery then to achieve a perfect restoration, vinyl should be used in the restoration.
If no-one on this site can recommend a supplier for the correct leather etc colour(s)I suggest just continuing to get as many samples as you can, until you find the right supplier. Or find a leather dyer and get them to match your best sample.
Others will hopefully have info on external trim removal.
This Post was from: https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?post_id=146996