Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Does anyone know if interior "kits" are available or if the upholstery, door panels, trunk liner and convertible tops have to be hand made? Also, can anyone give me an idea of what these items should cost?

As far as I know nothing is "ready-made" like you see for the Tri-5 Chevys and other popular models. You will have to work with an upholstery shop to have everything made.

Believe that one was mostly leather so will set you back plenty.

Don't know of any kits either except believe Kanter used to (maybe still does) have a generic-- worked with a supplier that would sew up something that fit with basic modern fabrics-- thing like the current carpet and headliners.

I'm curious to hear an idea as to what a finished upholstery shop job would cost today--just to see how bad it has become if I ever decide to finish the 47.

Just looked at receipts from 1989 when I had a Pacific interior done almost from scratch. Saved the headliner and I found a vendor with the correct pattern seat fabric (white/black) and dyed it myself to correct color (green/black). Everything else--carpet, vinyl, etc was supplied & done by a good quality shop. At that time his part with the receipts I have was $2844.73 and we are not the highest priced part of the country here as far as labor goes. Am sure there was some small cash outlays not counted in that as well.

As far as I know nothing is "ready-made"

Convertible tops are readily available ready-made from several Packard vendors or from the manufacturers who supply them. Materials differ according to year and options, but the pattern is essentially the same 51-56 and all the major top makers have them. Quite a few of us have bought tops from "EZ-On" in South Carolina but there are others as well. My top from EZ fit perfectly on my 56.

I believe Kev is correct. You can get leather material from SMS or Bill Hirsch and have a local upholstery shop do the work. There are a large number of photos of the interior available if you need something to give to the local shop as a guide. Convertible tops are available from several Packard and non-Packard sources. Try SMS for the trunk material. As HH56 mentioned, this will not be an inexpensive process. Good luck and post some photos of your project so we can share in your joy and pain.

Thanks! I appreciate the help!

I moved my post because I didn't realize that it would look like there were no new posts on the thread.