My new 26 roadster came without a back rest cushion. I bought a upholstery kit and springs and would like to install them now to drive the rest of the summer and fall, but want to tear down and paint the car this winter. Can this be done without damaging the tacked on parts like the seat back?
Ford did put a coat of clear coat varnish on the bodies after they were upholstered (at least during the black era, which would include a '26 US made open car), so I think you can paint under the upholstery, upholster and make a final paint later on without much trouble more than a lot of masking
From Trent Boggess paint article in the encyclopedia: http://www.mtfca.com/encyclo/P-R.htm#paint2
"After the second coat of F-162 Black Rubbing varnish had dried, the bodies were again placed on a conveyor and the paint was rubbed down with pumice and water to a smooth surface. When this was completed the bodies were upholstered. After upholstering, the bodies were cleaned inside and out in preparation for the final coat of paint. For the final coat a clear body varnish, F-751, was used. This varnish was made up of 38-48% Naphtha and Turpentine thinners, 44% oils and dryers and 18% gums including rosin. It had no pigment. "
Thanks Roger. I got the interior in tonight and it looks like it will be easy to work around it this winter. I did all the prep and paint that will be under the upholstery first. Good Info you sent along. PK