The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors 1937 Seat fabric source

Well I figure there are some parts I can actually start working on now. I have springs for my '37 truck, but no real idea what the original seats looks like. Anyone have photos/references/sources for material options on one of these? My aim is AACA original winning. I'm years away, but gotta start! I can make my own covers, so I just need the pattern/material.

Good stuff, so what sort of material was proper for this vehicle?

I don't know about the trucks but the cars had Mohair. Hampton Coach has been the gold standard for original restoration interiors on old cars for a long time. I don't know about trucks. I'd call them if I was wanting to go the OEM restoration route. They have pre cut kits for most antique cars, again I don't know about trucks. They aren't cheap though.

I've purchased a commercial sewing machine thats 21 years older than the truck, so I figure I'll put that to use and make my own. The pattern should be pretty easy to fabricate once I know the materials. I'll see what I can find pictures of this summer show season.

The original seats in all of the 1937 trucks was a vinyl material the looked like the skin of a football. There are some of the newer leather materials that also look the same. All of the interiors were brown in color.

Bill Hirsch sells leather material, they might also carry the vinyl for your seat. I see them at the Hershey Flea Market every year.

Mike B

I got samples from Hampton Coach and took them to a local upholster and he was able to buy the same fabric at a large discount. I went with a brown leatherite vinyl that came very nice.

Very nice looking truck dunfire. I wasn't aware that GMC trucks
had pleated seats with piping in '36 dunfire. I've been under
the impression that they were plain flat seats with french stitching.
Am I mistaken or did you find some documentation that shows the
factory upholstery as you have it?
Thanks
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

Denny, your probably correct. There is no piping but the pleats were put in by the upholster who copied the pattern of the seats that I took to him.

Oh but you do have piping at the seams, not french stitching:
http://www.pbase.com/dennygraham/image/158719709/original

Only reason I've made mention is that the OP said he's aim is
for AACA original winning appearance.

DG

Denny, you are correct, I need better glasses! I remember the upholster had asked if I wanted piping on the front of the seat and I told him absolutely not and it stuck in my head that there was no piping at all.