storm damage

Ken B

Ken B

Senior Member
We came back yesterday from a wonderful car show through a very strong wind and rain storm. Something hit the top of our car and broke one of the wood bows. The roof then started to leak badly. When I got home I started a fan and dehumidifier in the car and pulled out the seats also to check how far the water traveled. My question is: Can the headliner be cleaned to remove the water stains that were created from the leaking roof without shrinking it or damaging the 84 year old fabric? I would prefer this option to replacing it as the interior is all original. My insurance adjuster said the it could be replaced along with the top and bow but I would rather keep it original. The headliner isn't ripped at all but rather the water pulled out all the dirt, smoke, etc... and have created large stains on it now that it is drying.
 

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Don't ya wish that pure rain water could get stains out of house carpet or lounges so easy .
 
Nothing lasts FOREVER, just look at me!! There comes a time when you HAVE to give up on original stuff. "MAYBE" you could find an "OFF" color fabric that might blend in with the rest of the original upholstery. The headliner is sort of a "plain Jane" flannel like material, that's available in MANY colors. Check samples at your local upholstery shop.--Bill W.
 
I'm so sorry that happened, Ken.

Unfortunately, without removing the headliner, not much you can do. You could try steam, but you still have the same problem, and it will never match exactly.

Again, very very sorry. I know how you feel.
 
I do plan on removing the headliner and see if there is a cleaning method that won't harm the 84 year old fabric. I will also need to replace the broken bow and replace the top. I was told that there is an upholstery shop nearby that might be able to clean it. I am sure that there is moisture trapped in the roof wadding yet that will need replacing also.
 
You need to contact a museum that has a textile expert/fabric conservator. They may be able to help you or give you some free advice. Don't just chunk it into the washing machine, or hand it to a dry cleaner who is not an expert in fabrics and willing to do some research before trying what "might" work.

It looks like you have a beautiful original interior, and I hope you can save the headliner. I would rather have a slightly stained original than a spotless replacement.

W. Michael
 
w.michael said:
You need to contact a museum that has a textile expert/fabric conservator. They may be able to help you or give you some free advice. Don't just chunk it into the washing machine, or hand it to a dry cleaner who is not an expert in fabrics and willing to do some research before trying what "might" work.

W. Michael
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That would be my suggestion also. Most dry cleaners have a fixed method for everything, and no interest in doing specialty work.
 
I think W. Michael and 700 rpm are on the right track !!!
Some of the museums deal with Tapestries that are 2-300 years old they wil know a specialist who can clean it .

Good Luck and let us know how you get on .
John Cochran
 
Dal's Dream Car said:
You would probably have to take the whole headliner out anyhow. Maybe a good dry cleaner could bring it back for you?
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juke joint johnny said:
I think W. Michael and 700 rpm are on the right track !!!
Some of the museums deal with Tapestries that are 2-300 years old they wil know a specialist who can clean it .

Good Luck and let us know how you get on .
John Cochran
Click to expand...

How much does anyone think a specialist will charge? Here is a contact.

http://www.twincities.com/ci_12481395
 
One thing you know for sure is that after it is cleaned it will be a much different color than you remember it. After all it had 85 years of dirt and smoke imbedded in it. So if itis going to be different why not just buy a new one ? Do you not have insurance on the car and if so I am sure the comprehensive will cover the damage and a professional does the repairs.
Good. Luck, Wayne
 
The biggest issue I think you will have is working with a piece of material where the selvage and excess has been removed. I suppose a piece of extra could be sewn on the extreme edges to pull with but this is going to be tedious. It is likely doable, -just time consuming.
 
I can't help with this unfortunate mess, but last year I bought a large plastic tarp and bungee cords to carry in my car, just in case I get caught in a bad rain. I'll park the car off road and quickly cover it, rather than continue in the rain.
 
Sorry about your luck Ken. How about this idea. If it can be cleaned-and it can. Since the insurance company is going to pay for a replacement go for it. BUT, keep the original and send it to MAFFI. This way you have a matching interior and the original interior is kept in one piece in a museum.

Mike
 
The University of Rhode Island has a Textile and Fashion Merchandising Department (TMD).

They are well-versed in historic fabrics. Why not give a call and see what they might suggest? Or where they might send you? A call to them would be free.

http://www.uri.edu/hss/tmd/faculty.html

What a shame to happen to a nice original car
 
One source for fabric knowledge is our distaff side. Check with some of the fashion experts about cleaning vintage material, that's what they do with some of the original clothes.
 
I just don't see how 84 year old fabric will be 'right' again after a cleaning. At 84 years old, that fabric will not be workable and besides, it will be 100 years old here pretty soon. It's outlived it's usefulness. Prone to breakage, ripping, etc.

I'd save the old stuff, give it to the MAFFI museum if they wanted it, and have new installed.
 
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