Re: Interior restoration question

Posted by Dave Kenney On 2010/12/1 15:43:02

RL, My thoughts are that it all depends on how much you want to spend or can afford and what you want to do with the car. If you want to show and display the car at judged events or if you are just interested in restoring the car to authentically then original fabric is the way to go.
When I bought my '47 Super Clipper the fabric needed replacing and I agonized for two years about whether to go with authentic style and fabric material which was available or reupholster in a more modern stain resistant fabric. The car had some original interior that was salvageable but was water stained and faded and the authentic fabric was much brighter and would have been obvious that some was new and some old.
My decision to go with a modern fabric was based on several factors.
1.I didn't like the colour or the pattern of the original fabric.
2. Original fabric was going to cost more than $100US ($160Canadian at the time)per yard and my upholsterer needed 13 yards. Modern fabric was about $30 per yard.
3. I had no intention of showing the car at an AACA, CCCA or PAC meet but wanted a car for local shows and one that I would be using as a tour car where absolute authenticity is not a big issue.
4. Modern fabric chosen is more stain resistant and was in a colour that in my opinion complimented the exterior colour of the car.
5. The Packard is not rare nor especially valuable and the added cost to have the interior authentic would not materially add to the value of the car.
The bottom line is that it is your car and what you decide should be what you feel is the best decision for you.
These are just my thoughts. I am sure others will chime in.