'65 Wildcat convertible -Interior restoration question

[65_wcat]

Hi There,

Got an esimate of $1800 to re-upholster (?) my front and rear seats (includes replacing the foam, tightening the springs, etc.). A friend of mine that owns a body shop recommeded the interior shop.

My questions are:

1) Does this seem reasonable?

2) Does anyone make a pattern for these? The shop says they can duplicate the pattern exactly. Has anyone had this done before??

For another $400 - he will replace the carpet, door panel and kick panel carpet.

Thank you!

Greg

[Guest imported_Thriller]

I had the front seat and the bottom of the rear seat done over the winter for my '65 Wildcat. That cost me $750, but the rear seat was just one panel. The front seat was pretty much rebuilt. So, if your seats are in tough shape overall, I wouldn't think that the total is out of line. That being said, I imagine there is some variability depending on location, number of upholsterers, etc.

If the material is generally available (black vinyl for my 'Cat), these craftsmen can do amazing work without needing a pattern / kit. There may be some kits out there - Legendary Auto Interiors, SMS, Hampton Coach tends to deal with older stuff - Buicks are pretty tough to find from the generic shops since they go where the demand is, even if it is for Fords and Chevys.

Good luck. If your body guy recommends the upholsterer (and you trust your body guy), it's usually a pretty good recommendation.

[65_wcat]

Thanks. I thought the quote was reasonable as well but it never hurts to get another opnion. Thanks for your reply!