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

Hey guys. I'm redoing the upholstery in my Packard. The rear package shelf seems to be several layers of painted cardboard. It dissentegrated when I tried to take it out. Anyone know if someone is reproducing them? I have spent several hours looking on line with no luck today. There isn't enough left of the original to make a pattern off of it. Any help is always appreciated.

It is a cardboard base and the finish depended on the model. Most of the Clippers having paint or a finished patterned paper like surface and seniors having upholstery fabric. I don't know of any repros being done.

I believe the painted cowl board is about as close as you can get today in a finished cut it and ready to install product. If you have an upholstery supply house who does retail or an upholsterer friend who can order for you that might work. There are mail order outlets such as Restoration Specialties but at $22 a sheet and $80-100 oversize shipping the math doesn't work for me.

One option many have done is get 1/8" fiberboard from the home center. I personally don't like paint but if you are good at prep then painting might work and look something like factory. Otherwise, you could upholster as was done in senior cars with a fabric or vinyl to complement the seats or headliner. Those usually had a thin cotton or pressed paper padding under the finish material.

Thank you. That will work.