Leather vs Vinyl

[Bob S.]

I am restoring a '59 and will be driving this car in Oklahoma in the summer. Therefore it WILL have leather seats. The question is: With leather seats do you do the door panels in leather to match? What about the dash pad? (I have not talked to AK about whether you can even get the pad in leather.)
I don't plan to have this car judged so points is not the question. I AM trying to keep it as close to original as possible and still be able to enjoy it. It will not be a garage queen!

If anyone has seen leather used in the various locations and/or combinations, give me your thoughts please.

Thanks, Sully

[Steven B.]

Re: Leather vs Vinyl

I am restoring a '59 and will be driving this car in Oklahoma in the summer. Therefore it WILL have leather seats. The question is: With leather seats do you do the door panels in leather to match? What about the dash pad? (I have not talked to AK about whether you can even get the pad in leather.)
I don't plan to have this car judged so points is not the question. I AM trying to keep it as close to original as possible and still be able to enjoy it. It will not be a garage queen!

If anyone has seen leather used in the various locations and/or combinations, give me your thoughts please.

Thanks, Sully

Bob, I spoke with them over a year ago an dthey had no problem doing leather door panels, but am not certain if that included all years. They are pretty accomodating. I have seen a few solid axle customs with leather seats, door panels and dash and they looked good. 'Most seemed to be light tan/beige.

Steve

[Bob S.]

Re: Leather vs Vinyl

Thanks Steve. This interior will be Horizon Blue (the car is Frost Blue with White coves). I know Al Knoch will do the seats and door panels, I don't know about the dash pad because I haven't asked (I'll do that tomorrow).

I quess my question is should I mix leather and vinyl? There is a cost factor but does quality apperance override that?

Sully

[Michael A.]

Re: Leather vs Vinyl

Bob - It probably comes down to how close the leather matches the vinyl. Most new cars with leather seats have vinyl door panels. They match perfectly well. On most mid-years the vendors offer leather or vinyl seat covers but only vinyl door panels. They try to make sure both the leather and vinyl seat covers match the door panels. I'd suggest talking to your preferred vendor to see what they have to say. For me, the cost would probably be prohibitive to go with leather door panels and dash pad unless there was a huge difference in the match. Let us know what you decide and good luck.

Cheers,