Tech Q&A - Body Interior
TOP BOWS
Question:
Several months ago, before I became a member, I E-mailed you about the material inside the top bows of my phaeton. It has degraded and I need to know if someone has found an acceptable replacement. The material really turns out to be a tacking surface, and one that is covered by the top and padding. L&B has suggested laminating plywood. Has anyone used another tactic to solve this problem. Any help would be appreciated.
Answer:
I have a 1928 Phaeton, and before that I restored a 1929 Phaeton. They were both original cars when I got them. The tacking material in the top bows had to be replaced. It appeared to me that this old material was rawhide leather. I got pieces of rawhide from saddle TACK shop, glued the pieces in layers into the top irons, trying to slip the ends into the wrapped metal bow as far as possible. I then soaked the leather with water. The hard dried leather worked very well to hold the tacks. I hope this helps and work well for you.
UPHOLSTERY FOR 1930 TOWN SEDAN
Question: Another Model A fan and I disagreed about the rear seat upholstery in the l930 Model A four door Town Sedan. We noticed that a restorer had installed what he said was a LeBaron Bonney interior in his l930 four door sedan included a center arm rest that folded down in the center of the rear seat. One of us thinks that the original models did not have a fold down arm rest in the middle of the rear seat. The other contends that the arm rest was standard equipment on this model. Who is right? Incidentally, both of us are Model A Club of America members.
Answer: Your friend is right. The Deluxe Sedan (170-B) did have the fold down center arm rest. See page 163 of "The Ford Model A as Henry Built it". There's a photo of it and tells the story of its creation. Also page 17 of the Sep/Oct 1993 issue of The Restorer shows an official Ford Advertisement showing the fold down arm rest. -- Lyle Meek, 1997 Technical Director
UPHOLSTERY FOR 1929 FORDOR STEELBACK
Question:
I am looking for information on what the original type of interior was for a 1929 Fordor Ford Model A Steelback. Is it leather or a different type of fabric.
Answer:
Seats : Brown Hairline Strip Cloth
Headlining : Brown Napped Cotton
Windlace : Brown Worsted Cloth
-- Les Andrews, 1998 Technical Director
WHERE TO BUY UPHOLSTERY
Question: Hi can you tell me if I can still get the original upholstery for a Model A and if so, can you get me the address of those companies?
Answer: NOS (New old stock) upholstery is no longer available but you can come close. LeBaron Bonney Company in Massachusetts sells upholstery material and supplies and has patterns for the various Model A body styles. Their address is: 6 Chestnut Street, Amesbury, MA. 01913 508/388-3811. Call them for a catalog. -- Lyle Meek, 1997 Technical Director
Webmaster Note: There are now several source for upholstery material and kits. Check the Parts & Services Suppliers page for more information. -- Rick Black, 2009 Webmaster
