Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Owens seam looks to be about the same place as mine.

The dash pad seam of my parts car Executive is the same location as pictured above.

Quote:

That speaks to my question about the front edge of the restored dashes pictured. They are double row stitched across the front. They look just fine, but I don't recall this stitching on any of the three '55 padded dashes I'm most familiar with.

The real problem in fitting these is that the vinyl was formed, just like pre-formed carpeting, and there is no way to cut a piece from flat material that will replicate this. I think using a stretchy material and careful placement of the foam is how the upholsterers get these good results.

You'd think it would be tempting for an aftermarket company to replicate the vinyl molding process and make matching pads. But, of course, they'd have to compete with the nice work that some upholsterers may be able to do cheaper.

Re: Seatbelts. I think it would be a great addition to the FAQ thread if someone with knowledge of seatbelt installation and manufacturers would post a "how-to" there.

My memory could be fuzzy, but I don't recall any stitching on the facing edge of the dash pad on the one '55 Patrician I once owned (but sold 15 years ago). It was smooth, and - given the generally poor condition of the car - I believe it was original.

All the '56s that I've owned had some kind of "stitching" on that edge, but the vinyl seemed to have a different texture. I recall a seam and double row of stitching that appeared to be molded, but I also found what appeared to be frayed stitching in the same location on another car. Again, these are all unrestored cars. Perhaps that represents some kind of running production change.

I've no doubt that the production pad was created by heating and vacuum-forming the cover. I'm not sure, however, whether the foam padding was injection molded then the cover and pad assembly cemented to the dash top panel or whether that panel was placed in a fixture, along with the cover, and foam injected between them.

Regardless, I have a feeling that I will be able to manually repad the dash top panel and then heat and restretch the vinyl myself. The vinyl covering on one of the cars is pretty stiff, but I have something that has proven to restore the pliability of vinyl trim in other vehicles that I've owned. Unfortunately, that work ain't gonna happen any time soon.

the padded dash was available in the clippers, and the dash shell is the same. mostly custom clippers were the ones that got them,but that was not always the case. we had a custom that did not have a padded dash, and i have a 56 super that was my great-grandfathers, that dose.

I saw a 56 Clipper in Winchester without the padding. I like it better without the padding. But i won't be removeing any that are good to begin with. I never really liked padded dashes in any vehicle. Don't care much for power steering, and loath power windows and seats and locks.

I feel the same way about padded roofs, one of the dumbest ideas man has ever came up with.

Quote:

Of course you know you couldn't hardly buy a car built in the last 10 years without those things! I like 'em all except for power steering on some of the smaller cars. Why do they do that?

"but I have something that has proven to restore the pliability of vinyl trim in other vehicles that I've owned..."

Would you be so kind as to share this critical secret?

Packard V8, I did not notice any packard in your pic. All I saw was an attractive young lady.