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Super Clipper to Custom Super Clipper


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I have a 1947 Super Clipper which unfortunately needs an interior replacement (along with a paint job). I have contacted two of the main suppliers of fabric looking for a match for the striped broadcloth and haven't really found a match. I also have a 1947 Custom Super Clipper parts car which as you may know used a solid colour fabric. The Custom S.C. also has the chrome windshield garnish, e-brake handle and steering column which on this car are still very nice. I am thinking of changing the interior of my car to resemble the Custom interior and use the door panel trim strips and the courtesy lights etc. I would not be changing the data plate in an attempt to alter the original model but I find that the solid fabrics of the Customs are available and the additional chrome etc. would, in my opinion, enhance the appearance of the car. What do the forum members think of this idea or should I try and keep the car as original as possible?

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Dave, ultimately the decision is up to you, your tastes, what you want to use the car for and how original is 'original' for you. The whole point to these clubs is to preserve, restore and maintain a car of a given era as it was delivered to the first owner. That is your baseline. You may do what has to be done from there....for instance, if the broadcloth is not available or too expensive at this time, put in another type that was availble from Packard at that date. Failing that, use a material that is like the desired cloth. Remember, you can always redo it later when availability and fortune changes.

I would rather see that beautiful car out on the road with an interior done to look original than have it in a barn waiting. But my focus is on use and visibility, not awards. Like I said, it ultimately comes down to what you want. I approach my cars this way. While the cloth may not be right, the look is close and in the meantime I am using the car happily. Later, I will have it redone as original. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Tempus fugit. Enjoy your car while you can.

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I'am in the same boat have looked at many fabric places in Toronto looking for something as well as through the internet and found nothing similer, I have a 1954 with a 33A interior which is a 1/8 strip and a checkerboard another 1/8 strip and diagional line and repeats..

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Guest Randy Berger

Dave, did you contact SMS auto fabric in Portland Oregon. For years members in PAC told me you couldn't find cloth for 1956 400. On a whim, after reading SMS ad for Pontiac material I called them and they sent me a sample - exact match!

They seem to have most everything. Good luck.

YFAM, Randy Berger

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I am sending the swatches of cloth to SMS. I tried Bill Hirsh but he wasn't very close to the original athough he sent several samples so he did try hard. The Packard broadcloth was beautiful and my original intent was to save the rear seat since it was covered for many years and therefore is excellent. If the front seat isn't close when redone then the car would look terrible. I am not interested in showing it anyway although maybe in local shows. I love those Custom interiors so might try to install the chrome parts for as someone said they can always be changed back.

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