Re: Used stock interiors… yeah.
Allow me to add some food for thought in this. There are times when certain builders 'dis' on the guys that are actually restoring to a Fine Point level. Often what is overlooked about the type of Restorer how/why they are going to that level is because of the challenge and the craftsmanship that is involved in correctly and authentically replicating something either in aesthetics and/or mechanics. One such area is in Upholstery & Trim where many of the original fabrics are no longer in production requiring the Restorer to create or fabricate something that is aesthetically correct. Often times it is finding a piece of vinyl that has the correct grain pattern and then dyeing the material to the correct color prior to cutting and sewing. In the case of replicating a worn or weathered interior, you must find ways tear and weather the vinyl, sew areas where the stitching seems loose, and distress the seat springs where it shows fatigue and wear patterns. Anyone can track down patterns and stitch off-the-roll piece goods, but getting creative with your brain and your hands trying to replicate something in exacting detail will make you a better craftsman for other tasks in this world. It aso trains your brain to accept your failures and then problem solve how to correct that failure.
Brent, your food for thought feeds my history nerd. This build is as much a historic reproduction and “experimental archeology” exercise as it is a mechanical construction. Getting the details right is important to me, as much as it is for a guy doing fine-point restoration. It’s just that I’m adding a “life story” to the car. I do similar things for my 1750s Pennsylvania research and crafting. Once upon a time I did so with Civil War living history.
The car is a mostly stock 28/29 Phaeton. It all started when my autistic 8yo son decided he wanted to build a car from nothing.
“Nothing, Spencer?”
“Nothing, Dad.”
Ok then. I started dragging Model A parts home and we’re building a car.
There’s an 18-page thread over on the HAMB. We’re attempting to recreate a car owned by a garage/speed shop about 1937, using period correct parts and methods.
In our yard. No shop.
Almost zero power tools. My tools mostly fit in a 2-gallon galvanize pail.
The “life” is that of an 8-9 year old open car during the height of the depression in the east or midwest. I’m a research nerd, and period photos show open cars in pristine condition all the way to complete heaps. We’re aiming for a bit north of the midway point. So a bit of honest wear and tear, but still cared for.
Chassis wise, the only modifications are a reverse-eye front spring and a Model T spring in the rear. 33/34 front axle. 17” wheels. Oh, and V8 shocks since I can’t afford rebuilt Model A shocks. We’re running mechanical brakes.
Driveline is stock A transmission and rear. The stock (for now) Model A block will get a B distributor, Yellow Winfield head, Miller dual updraft intake, and a pair of Winfield SAU carbs.
Body is stock. We’re even running fenders. Well… stock except the windshield. We did chop that 2.5” and lay it back a little. Might drop the headlight bar too.
Other than “consumables”, some wear parts, the water pump, wiring and the windshield frame, every part is original. Technology is all pre-1937. Actual like, the technology date may slide closer to ‘35…
The Winfield head gives a good idea of what I’m trying to achieve. This is an original head with a very old (and very expedient) repair to a crack in the water passage. The great blob of brass is like removing a button on a reproduction colonial coat. Or a well placed patch in a pair of breeches. Patina on a knife. A dent in a canteen. “Life”.
This is one of the photoshop work-ups we’ve done.
And some period inspiration. I believe in primary source documentation.
So hopefully this gives some insight into what I’m trying to accomplish, why I’d search out used upholstery, and why if I sew my own I’ll be attempting some authentic distressing to get the car as period correct as possible.
Madness you say? Absolutely!
