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

We are moving on to having the interior reupholstered. There is a hand-grip for the rear passengers on the rear of the front seat. This grip consists of what appears to be chrome circular attachments with a chain running between them. The chain is covered in what sort of seems like old rubber tubing.

Does anyone know what the actual covering material should be on the grip? Thanks!

All the old rummers I know ran out of tubing years ago. Or do you mean rummies?

I fixed the typo,thanks. Do you know if it is rubber tubing or if it is something else?

Are you referring to the "robe rail"?

For what it's worth I can give you some information from a 1953 Caribbean - but its a restored car which can throw questions about authenticity open to debate. Good chance the 53 and 54 Caribs were done the same way, on the 53 the actual seating surfaces are leather but backs of the front seats and robe rails are covered with a synthetic, vinyl-like material.

Owen Dyneto is correct. In the past I have had a few nos robe rails. They were wrapped with a matching vinyl.

Unsure on the Caribbean but I believe on other models in addition to the vinyl (or fabric) cover, there was a core of sponge rubber tubing over the chain--almost a dense foam rubber type consistency. If yours has that and has deteriorated to crumbling or gotten hard, McMaster-Carr carries the tubing in various diameter and lengths.

Thank you everyone!