The Upholstery Forum

Hello I am new to this forum but it looks very useful. I am restoring a 1920 Stanley Steamer steam car. It was completely taken apart when I got it but I can almost see the beginning of the end of the mechanical restoration. So I am thinking about the interior and body work. The leather is in surprisingly good condition considering its age, If possible I would like to keep as much of it as original. Rodents got into it in spots and I am wondering whether it is possible to just repair those areas. I live out the boondocks and there are no upholsterers I can call on to look at it. Is it possible to just replace the damaged panels (pleats?) Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks Todd

Look's like a great project. I would be concerned that merely repairing the upholstery then using it would cause it to fall apart very quickly. If it's a museum piece then salvaging the material may be more important than it's structural integrity, but if you are going to use it I would consider disassembling the seats and documenting everything then remaking it as faithfully as possible with modern materials.

Thanks for the response. I do plan on using the car, not a daily driver obviously. So maybe replacing it is the way to go. Hmmm.

If the original material is leather and it is not hard and stiff, but soft a flexible. You maybe able to revive it by giving it a good conditioning.

As long as the leather has not dropped below the minimum moisture level, and turned to cardboard you should be able to flexible it without incurring more cracks.

If you are planning on removing it you may still want the condition it to help salvage the patterns.

JimmieJoe wrote: ↑Fri Mar 18, 2022 7:54 pm If the original material is leather and it is not hard and stiff, but soft a flexible. You maybe able to revive it by giving it a good conditioning.

As long as the leather has not dropped below the minimum moisture level, and turned to cardboard you should be able to flexible it without incurring more cracks.

If you are planning on removing it you may still want the condition it to help salvage the patterns.

What would you recommend conditioning it with? It sounds like I should do that regardless of whether I replace or restore.

I remember watching an episode of "Jay Leno's Garage" he has a Stanley steamer and a number of very old vehicles. Send them a letter asking how they handle vintage upholstery. You never know, could be an interesting response.

Get a leather conditioner that is only a conditioner. Do NOT get a combination cleaner conditioner. The conditioner should not have any silicone in it either. There are a lot of good brand of leather conditioner.