1953 BUICK SKYLARK CONVERTIBLE INTERIOR

[FRITZ-TIP]

INTERIOR DOOR PANELS - LEATHER OR NAUGAHYDE?   I had the seats done correctly in red and white leather, but need to know if door side panels and rear interior side panels were originally leather or Naugahyde.

[bryankazmer]

You do realize that Naugahyde is just one company's brand name for their vinyl, yes?  

[m-mman]

1 hour ago, bryankazmer said:

You do realize that Naugahyde is just one company's brand name for their vinyl, yes?  

Lump this in with Aspirin, Kleenex, Xerox copies, etc.  

 

As far as I know the door panels were vinyl. Despite being a limited production car, it was still produced with mass production techniques.  The GM plants were making vinyl panels during this period, to substitute leather would have upset the process. 

When sewing seat covers it is easy to substitute the type of material.  Not so on side panels.  
 

The 100% definitive answer will be found in the judging standards manual issued by the Buick club. 

[alsancle]

I love the 53 Skylark.  Nice car!

 

I would post this question in the Buick forum,  there are a few 53 owners lurking on here.

[FRITZ-TIP]

THANKS for the input  (Yes I know Naugahyde is a brand name for a vinyl).  I tried the Buick Club Judging Manual and it covers Stayfast/Haartz convertible tops being OK - see attached picture. However nothing is mentioned on the door and rear interior side panels.  I had the seats done over a year ago in red and white leather, which is correct as shown in picture on my original post).  I have a few phone calls in to some Skylark friends, as want to get this right.  Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Attached is a picture of my trunk (I do my own  trunks and wiring). The trunk material is period correct, but not exactly the same as original material which is not available.  I will try the Buick Forum soon and thanks again.

[m-mman]

These are the situations where what “I” think is correct and what “you”’ think is correct is not nearly as important as what the judges and Buick community have AGREED to as being correct or acceptable. 
Such as the top fabric substitutions. 

[FRITZ-TIP]

After some advice from other Skylark owners, I am going to go for all leather interior door panels and rear side panels. The seats are already completed in all leather.