Interior kit alternatives?

1

1931stdcoupe

Junior Member
Are there any alternatives for interior kits and upholstry other than Classtique or Dixie?
Are interior panel patterns available for DIY?
Thank you,
Joe in New Hampshire
 
Kits are getting up into the expensive category and likely not all that much different than a local trim shop would charge. The difference is likely going to be more of a concern for authenticity The folks that are still in that business do try to stay closer to what Ford originally made. If you can find an experienced trimmer that has experience with the antiques and will work with the owner to insure a reasonably close to authentic appearance is about the only alternative. Classtique does sell material by the yard and they recently restocked some of their wool material for the model As. Patterns can made from the seat springs and door frames but it takes more time to do the pattern work. The hardest pattern work would be for models like the Sport and Business Coupe tops. Convertible tops for Roadsters and Phaetons are a job without patterns but they can be done.

I do DIY but then I have a walking foot sewing machine to do that. They are not cheap. I was fortunate to find a local furniture manufacturer that was going out of business and had old machines to sell. My Consew 206 is an older model but is still in good working order. It has reverse stitch and a modern electronic motor drive so that it will function at my pace. A regular sewing machine would have a hard time punching through multiple thicknesses of material.
 
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I have only done two interiors and tops in my time with Model A’s. In both cases I used a interior/top shop that specialized in antique cars. I felt the results were great. And after many years they still looked good.

Pricey! You normally get what you pay for.

Enjoy
 
1931stdcoupe said:
Are there any alternatives for interior kits and upholstry other than Classtique or Dixie?
Are interior panel patterns available for DIY?
Thank you,
Joe in New Hampshire
Click to expand...

Joe, I think the basic answer to your question first needs to be answered by you as to what you want your vehicle to be? Is authenticity on some level important to you? If so, what you are purchasing from Mike @ Classtique is aesthetically-correct fabric.

Why I ask this is, I remember a time when it used to be very important for a hobbyist's 'restoration' to have a close resemblance of what the vehicle was when it was first assembled. Now, it seems like many 'Restorers' modify their car to suit themselves where the engine is no longer stock-appearing, the drivetrain has been modified with unauthentic transmissions, aftermarket tube shocks, F100 steering boxes, non-authentic sized wheels, ...and the bodies often have tinted windows, incorrect colors of paint, etc., etc. -and so at this point, should it be an issue if the upholstery resembles something other than original? If it does, then I can send you pix of what it was originally where your trimmer can get a good idea of what looks correct. Then Mike can sell him yardage of whatever authentic fabric you choose. Does that help??
 
Hi Brent- That was a very interesting post. I started out thinking I wanted to be authentic as possible, but I have since changed my thinking. I don't think I will live long enough to complete my project if I'm too picky. My wife and I have decided to make our own interior panels, and at this point we are considering covering them with some type of embossed naugahyde or artificial embossed leather. I hadn't even thought about the seat upholstery yet, but you now have me thinking. I would really like the picture you offered. I will PM my email address to you.
Thank you,
Joe in New Hampshire
 
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