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Dear Packard People:

How much leather will it take to upholster a 1949 Packard 4 door--just the seats and door panels?????

Thanking you in advance for your replies.

Zougeride

Hi

I did mine about a year ago. I wasnt told how much, but the seats are quite large and the front seats needs to be covered on the back as well. I am no expert but would guess at least 4 big hides?

You do realize this is not an authentic fitment I trust.

Africapackard.
Since u're in Africa then what kind of other hides are plentiful and maybe cheap in that location???? Elephant, rhino, hippo or maybe even very nice fur hides???? Maybe very large snake skins???? Not sure how well snake skin would hold up to wear tho.

Enlighten us.

While you're at it, make sure to mount a huge pair of steer horns in place of the hood ornament, and one of those hot rod skull gearshift knobs. You'll also want to lower the car, put on some chrome mag wheels, perhaps replace the Packard engine with a rare Chevy V-8. And make sure you get enough large metalflake in the paint. None of
that subtle luminescent jazz. Metalflake, perhaps lollipop red, tangerine, purple, lime green. Don't forget the flames, scallops, pinstriping!

And get rid of that factory radio and install a boom box,
the louder the better.

Whoa, yeah.

Brutal, guy (4 posts at that) asks a simple question, and gets attacked. Way to be inclusive, guys

Ray -

I don't think PackardV8's post was intended as any sort of attack. I've known him for years, and I believe he's actually serious about the possible use of exotic hides for interior trim.

I've heard that those who need to condescend are typically pretty inadequate. Be thankful you're not them.

In answer to your question, you'd need to measure the interior panels: Front seat cushion (bottom, back rest, seat back), rear seat, four door panels...and then call your retailer (I like Bill Hirsch in Newark NJ, for both leather and original wool broadcloth)...they will send samples. He'll take the measurements and determine square footage...remember they will add for waste.

You have a great car, enjoy it!

Most leather upholstered cars these days have leather only on the seating surface. Door panels and the sides and backs of the seats are made of matching vinyl. This is a considerable saving.

It is not hard to calculate by measuring the various parts of the seats and calculating the square footage. There is quite a bit of waste in leather upholstery because the material does not come in convenient square sheets like vinyl.

At a rough guess I would say 15 square meters for full seat and door panel job.

I must have missed something here along the way.
However condescending and inadequate are some of the nicer things i've been called this month.

Either way, as BH indicates above i was serious about the question of various hydes that mite be available abroad for automotive use.