DIY Network

1938 Packard: Interior Restoration and Upholstery Cleaning From "Classic Car Restoration" episode DCR-409

	Mark Lambert inspects the condition of the interior on the '38 Packard.
	Guest auto-detailing expert, Mark Hasselback.

In this episode of Classic Car Restoration, host Mark Lambert addresses cosmetics in the restoration of a 1938 Packard Club Coupe. In this second segment of episode 409, Mark is joined by detailing specialist Mark Hasselback who offers tips on cleaning difficult stains from wool upholstery.

Materials:

Detailing brush
Plastic knife or spatula
Upholstery cleaner
Spray lubricant
Brake cleaner
Rags

Note: This is a summary of steps included in the automotive restoration procedures shown in this episode of Classic Car Restoration. These are general guidelines for restoration procedures on this particular make and model of vehicle, and for the level of restoration selected for this project. There may be variations in procedures depending model, condition of vehicle, level of restoration undertaken and the types of replacement parts or upgrade kits selected. Always follow proper safety precautions, and read and follow manufacturer's guidelines, diagrams and safety notices that come with any replacement parts or kit that you select.

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Although our Packard had been in long-term storage prior to our restoration, the interior was in fairly good shape since the car had been stored inside. There were a few oil stains and dirt stains that needed cleaning, but the upholstery was not terribly worn. The wool broadcloth upholstery (figure A) was the type that Packard originally installed in the mid-1930s. If we had needed to replace the broadcloth, it would have been an expensive prospect since period-correct replacement broadcloth (figure B) costs from $60 to $100 per yard. Complete re-upholstery would require 10 to 12 yards of material and, with labor, would likely cost around $5000.

Restoration Tip: Avoid the temptation of installing cheaper, synthetic fabrics. These not only wear poorly and don't look period-correct, they actually diminish the overall value of your vintage automobile.

Figure A

Figure B

Upholstery-Cleaning Tips

Fortunately our Packard's interior only needed some cleaning and dressing up. But stains on wool material can be tricky. Auto-detailing specialist Mark Hasselback offers some tips.

• In most cases it's easier to treat upholstery stains by removing the stained seat or panel from the vehicle.

• Dirt stains can usually be cleaned away with a mild detergent, but grease stains (figure C) require a heavy commercial upholstery cleaner.

• It's a good idea to first perform a color-fast test on a hidden or inconspicuous area of the fabric, such as on the back of a seat. Don't spray the cleaner directly on the fabric. Instead, spray some on a towel and use that to apply a small amount of cleaner to the fabric (figure D).

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

• If the cleaner passes the color-fast test, you can apply some of the cleaner to the stain. For heavier stains, you may need to use a detail brush. Detail brushes are available from auto-parts stores. Alternatively, you can take an ordinary household paintbrush and cut the bristles to an inch or so using a razor blade.

• Brush with the grain of the material (figure E) to avoid swirling or balling up the material.

• Alternate between using the detail brush, and gently rubbing with a cloth until the stain is removed (figure F).

  Figure E

  Figure F

  
  

  	Figure G
  	Figure H
  	The grease stain, BEFORE and AFTER.

• A number of specialty cleaners are available in the detailing department of your auto-parts center. Other household and automotive chemicals may be useful as well (figure G).

• For ink stains on leather, use spray lubricant on a soft cloth, and gently wipe the stain. Perform a color-fast test first, as the color on some leathers can come off.

• For dried food, such as chocolate, scrape off any excess using a piece of plastic (such as a plastic knife, spatula or even a credit card), then clean the stain with brake or carburetor cleaner.

• For chewing gum, apply ice to the gum (figure H) until it hardens, then flake off the hard gum. If there is a stain left, clean it with upholstery cleaner.

RESOURCES :


Resources and Special Thanks for Classic Car Restoration 400 series


The Packard Club
Columbus, Ohio
(National & regional clubs, car shows & judging, magazine, resources, etc.)
The Cormorant magazine
The Packard Club
www.packardclub.org

Packards International Motor Car Club
(National owner's club, judging rules, magazine, newsletter and other resources)
Santa Ana, CA
Packardsinternational.com

Packards of Chicagoland
(Regional affiliate of The Packard Club)
Elmhurst, IL
Packards of Chicagoland

America's Packard Museum
Dayton, Ohio
www.americaspackardmuseum.org

The National Packard Museum
Warren, OH (the birthplace of the Packard)
www.warren.org

The Packard Motor Car Foundation
(Foundation for preserving the Packard marque) Restoring the Packard Proving Grounds and other Packard activities.
www.packardmotorfdn.org

Motorbooks International
www.motorbooks.com

Automobile Inspections LLC
(Nationwide automobile appraisal & inspection services, including classic cars)
Hartford, CT
www.automobileinspections.com

Classic Auto Appraisals (Evaluation of Classics, Street Rods, Antiques, Competition Cars, Exotics, Commercial Vehicles and Hand Crafted Vehicles).
www.autoappraisals.com

Special Resources for DCR-409:

• Norton Abrasives
  Phone: 800-456-8444
  A full line of stock products including abrasives, masking products, adhesives, sealers and safety products for the auto body professional.
  www.nortonabrasive.com
  

• Diamond Back Classic Tires Conway, SC
  Steel belted radials for classic cars. The ones put on our car were: 5 Diamond Back 215/85R16N radials with 3-3/4"" whitewall.
  Phone: 888-922-1642
  www.widewhitewalltires.com
  

• Agape Auto
  Evansville, IN
  Phone: 812-423-7332
  Custom auto body work. They hand-made the fender-skirts for our 1938 Packard. Our fender skirts were made from original patterns. Skirts are made of sturdy 20 gauge steel. All mounting hardware is included. Foam gasket is included.
  Price: $200 pair.
  www.skirtsandvisors.com

Classic Car Restorer's Handbook: Restoration Tips and Techniques for Owners and Restorers of Classic and Collectible Automobiles
1557881944
Jim Richardson
(November 1994)
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
H.P. Books

Classic Car Restoration Guide: The Complete Illustrated Step-By-Step Manual
Model: 1850108900
Author: Lindsay Porter
Order this book from Amazon.com
Haynes Publishing

Classic Car Restorer's Handbook: Restoration Tips and Techniques for Owners ...
Model: 1557881944
Author: Jim Richardson
Order this book from Amazon.com
H.P. Books

GUESTS :
Mark Hasselback
A-1 Auto Detailing
Knoxville, TN