Re: cleaning a headliner & upholstery repair

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2009/12/22 11:38:11

As far as the "lasting power" of good wool upholstery, lots of examples of it still looking very good and still serving well after 75 or more years without being covered with seat covers. But I guess it had to have had a lucky life, no moths, cuts, tears, food-fights, water leaks, etc. I redid the front seat cushions in my 34 Eight after 75,000 miles and 40 years or so because of a cut, but the material didn't show much wear and was still strong and the rest of the interior except front carpeting is still original.

As far as finding some houndstooth material to repair your arm rest, I think you have a good chance of finding something quite close if not the same. Hirsch, SMS, and LeBaron-Bonney come to mind. A friend here in NJ had his 47 Super Clipper redone a few years back and found a synthetic houndstooth in gray/blue that was virtually indistinguishable from the original material. This was just modern material not made specifically for the car hobby, so shopping around may yield better results than you might suppose.