What would you do?

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2012: What would you do?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Danial - Veneta OR US Earth Solar System on Sunday, July 01, 2012 - 08:27 pm:

I've had this debate with myself ever since I brought this car home. The guy I bought it from put this heavy, very 60s looking, cloth cover over the original upholstery. He did this back in the late 1960s.

It's wrapped tight and all the way over the back of the seat back and attached very firmly all the way around. It wasn't a hack job. He said the upholstery underneath was just fine but that he wanted to make sure it stayed that way so he put the cover on it.

He did the same thing with the door panels, which I haven't put back on the car yet.

I can understand his reasoning for doing it but I'd kind of like to see the original interior.

And it could very well be the actual original since this car has had less than 200 miles put on it since the 60s and according to the odometer has had only 30,000 in its life.

Opinions?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John Leming on Sunday, July 01, 2012 - 08:34 pm:

I like it just as it is! But, the original would be nice to see and you will always wonder what it looks like, so go for it! - photos for us too if you do!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Charlie B actually in Toms River N.J. on Sunday, July 01, 2012 - 08:38 pm:

It's a toss-up Danial. Perhaps you can remove the covers delicately in case the orig stuff is shot. To be honest....I guess I have different tastes from the former owner. I really don't like what's there. I'd try it. My 2 cents


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Randy Milano on Sunday, July 01, 2012 - 08:55 pm:

I couldn't stand it. I'd have to see what's underneath. I found a horn button in the seat springs the other day. Hopefully you'll find 100 thousand dollars from prohibition days wrapped neatly in yours.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By HARRY A DAW on Sunday, July 01, 2012 - 09:07 pm:

If the original is in as good condition as the former owner says it is, I would remove the modern stuff but remove it carefully in case you decide to put it back. Use throws on it when you are out enjoying the car but remove when showing the car.
My thoughts.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Danial - Veneta OR US Earth Solar System on Sunday, July 01, 2012 - 09:14 pm:

My brain must be stuck in low gear today. The idea of using throws hadn't crossed my mind at all and that was my primary concern, protecting the (possible) original upholstery while out enjoying it.

I like the idea of finding a treasure or two..grin..and like you say Charlie, leopard print isn't my cup of tea either...

If we finally get some decent weather next weekend, I'll post a few pics of the post-seat cover T seat...

Thanks for the input, guys.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By James Michael Rogers on Monday, July 02, 2012 - 06:37 am:

In about 1970 I had a 57 Chevy 150 that was given to me. The interior was great but it was only 13 years old so most at that time were. The seats had covers on them that were a bit thread bare but in good condition. Like many 18 year old gearheads, I wanted buckets, so I tossed the front and put in a set of Falcon buckets. Later just for fun I decided to remove the cover from the rear. Under the cover, I found a perfect seat with the factory cover looking just like it came from the showroom. I know this is about a 13 year old car but the theory is the same. You may have some pretty pristine seats under that gaudy leopard junk.

What I regret most about my experience is, The 57 seats would be worth a mint now if I had saved them as would the Falcon buckets which are as rare as hen's teeth now. Ah, 20/20 hindsight and the ignorance of youth.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim Patrick on Monday, July 02, 2012 - 08:14 am:

I'd remove it just to satisfy my curiosity and then while the tight fitting seat covers were off, I'd soak them in a bathtub full of bleach water to try and remove as much of the pattern as possible, then get a dye kit from the super market and dye the seat covers a color more to my liking such as brown.

The upholstery kit I purchased from "Carter's Cut and Cover", back in 1972 is brown and while it is not a color, originally offered for the coupe in 1926 (I believe the original color would have been grey with green stripes), I have been very satisfied with it and after 40 years, it still looks just as nice as it did when I installed it. Jim Patrick


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Erik Johnson on Monday, July 02, 2012 - 10:37 am:

If the original upholstery is in good shape, as long as you wear clean clothes when you are sitting in the car you don't need to use throws or seat covers.

I grew up around antique cars. My dad owned a pristine, low mileage unrestored 1927 Hupmobile. The original upholstery looked brand new. My dad never used seat covers - he just made sure anybody that rode in it was clean before they got into the car.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Charlie B actually in Toms River N.J. on Monday, July 02, 2012 - 11:21 am:

Unfamiliar with dyeing but I'd be afraid the coloring would rub off on the upholstery doing exactly what you're trying to avoid. Worked for a small engine shop years back. Got dirty but not enough to bother changing at work. Got into the habit of tossing a towel on the seat bottom. Still do it today. Seats look great after years of service. Swap 'em out every once in a while. Cheap & easy.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Norman T. Kling on Monday, July 02, 2012 - 11:23 am:

Back about 45 years ago I had a 49 Cadillac with the original upholstery. Immediately after purchase we put on seat covers to keep the upholstery original. Well we also had 5 children and we went to A&W Rootbeer and got some food. We were on vacation when it happened. The children spilled their drinks and it went through the seat covers and stained the original upholstery. So, don't be surprised at what you will see when you remove the seat covers!
Norm


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