Rather than tack these comments onto my previous post (http://forums.cadillaclasalleclub.org/index.php?topic=147151.0) it seemed reasonable to start a new thread.
Today I spent some time going over the Authenticity Manual for Class 16 cars, and making some checks and comparisons with my vehicle, #966.
Focusing on the upholstery, I found some challenges.
SMS sent me swatches of fabric, vinyl, and leather. After seeing the swatches it's readily apparent that the materials from SMS are of very high quality.
Unfortunately, the Sahara Cloth swatch was noticeably darker in value than the original (faded) fabric in the car. No surprise after 60+ years. One thing I previously failed to consider is that my Grandfather (original owner) was a two-pack-a-day kind of guy, and, back then, smoking in the car was accepted practice. The number of ashtrays and lighters would seem to indicate smoking while driving was even encouraged. Amazingly, there are no burn holes anywhere.
Over time, of course, the fabric acquired a yellow tint, which really throws the color matching off. (I would certainly like to hear from any members who have dealt with smoke-stained upholstery. I tried some off-the-shelf cleaners with no positive results, and I hate to go to the industrial strength level, not knowing how well the original fabric would tolerate harsher chemicals and/or the trauma of an extractor.)
The pattern of the SMS fabric swatch also has a slightly smaller 'scale', and it has more texture, which would mean replacing all of the original cloth with the new material. And once headed down that road, the leather and vinyl should probably be replaced, as well. The upholstery in this car is quite complex, and I can easily see $10k going into fully restoring the interior. Scary, but something to be realistic about.
Up until now my idea was to just replace the Sahara Cloth on the front seat, but at this point, I'll probably live with the shabby cloth on the driver side until I discover what other expensive surprises this great old Cadillac has for me. Darn that budget!
Hopefully, these observations will be helpful to others facing a similar job.
By now, I'm sure that many readers are bored to death with this thread...but, who knows? There may be one 1957 Coupe de Ville owner out there that can benefit from my experiences.
So...I took photos of the SMS swatches on the actual fabric/leather of my car (attached). The vinyl was not in the ballpark, so I omitted that photo. The leather is pretty much spot on, considering the ageing/yellowing of the original leather. The Sahara Cloth swatch is also very close in shade, all things considered. Still, the 'scale' of the SMS swatch is smaller than the original, and the texture is different.
Seeing these swatches in the car...I have to say, the idea of re-upholstering is becoming more attractive. The Sahara Cloth is a truly elegant fabric. And the metallic blue leather makes a statement about the space-age dreams of that day (I lived there).
Me and this Caddy...it's like an arranged marriage. Don't even know her name yet, but she's growing on me.
Your fabric is just aged thats all. SMS is one of the premier dealers for auto upholstery. You seats look good just the way they are and if they're original I'd leave them alone. Its only original once!
Mark,
Check your personal messages. On Oct 29th I sent you contact information about original NOS blue Sahara fabric. Did you receive it?
Right on, Tim...
I'm on your wavelength when it comes to leaving things alone. Especially with upholstery, which is one of those cart-before-the-horse deals. Right now the main thing is the engine and associated equipment. Finishing up the brakes. Getting her back on the road.
Good news is I'm finding a lot of original stuff here. Even the black-painted wooden wedge in the trunk!