The Upholstery Forum

Hi

I am restoring a Ford pickup truck and about to begin doing the interior in a classic muscle car type look. Stumbled upon the lucky needle youtube page which led me here.

Just wondering if there are norms with regards to fabric choices for various parts of the interior for luxury cars? The reason I ask is that I was sent some sample black vinyls - some more of an imitation leather with the grain look through it and others that have less pronounced grains in them.

The grainier imitation leather is my preference by feel from the samples but I am not sure if its right to use it on everything (pillars / dash / door cards / seats etc)? Or are there different grain types that are used?

Also, for car headliner - what type of material is used on luxury cars? Is it just the foamed backed felt like normal cars?

Appreciate any guidance

Adam

Hi @Little Jerry Welcome to the forum!

When it comes to fabric choices its up you and what you like best. I typically use heavy grain as more of an accent rather than the main fabric. But thats just my opinion not a fact.

There are many types of headliner materials used on luxury cars. Most of the time you should always use a foam backing because it gives a nice feel and hides imperfections in the headliner board. Some really expensive cars use synthetic suede on the headliner.

I hope this helps!

Thanks mate.

I bought a foam backed velour headliner from a local headlining company - figured it's best to stay with a widely used product especially if doing it for the first time.

If my truck came with a cardboard type headliner, any reason why I wouldn't reuse it if it's in good shape? I see that most would use an ABS plastic, but I'm thinking it may not be so straightforward to replicate the shape with those crease lines etc.

I see no reason at all why you can’t reuse your headliner.

That is a perfectly good headliner for reuse.

That headliner board looks just fine to reuse.