Interior restoration

[firstgenaddict]

The reason why they are 2 pieces of covering is the uppers are actually Vinyl and the lower sections are "leatherette" paper. which is steamed then press adhered to the backers. Steam is also how corrugated paper is "fluted" with the waves in the center of the brown paper boxes.

[asm69]

firstgenaddict, Is that why the lower sections of my original door panels have no cushion? When I press on the lower door panel section where the horizontal pleats are I don,t feel any cushion, just the backing. The PUI door panels I saw had a cushioned feel on the lower section pleats. I am wondering does anyone make 69 door panels that don't have cushioned lower section pleats.

[firstgenaddict]

firstgenaddict, Is that why the lower sections of my original door panels have no cushion? When I press on the lower door panel section where the horizontal pleats are I don,t feel any cushion, just the backing. The PUI door panels I saw had a cushioned feel on the lower section pleats. I am wondering does anyone make 69 door panels that don't have cushioned lower section pleats.

YES, Exactly...
the reason I happen to know the material is that I sold a couple hundred tons of RED leatherette to the Far east about 7 years ago.

[JKZ27]

Thanks James. That's good info.
Legendary did a nice job with their panels. They're tight, vinyl of course, and not padded. If I get a chance I'll post a pic.

[asm69]

Like to see a list vendors whose 69 standard door panels do not have the lower section padded (EG. Distinctive, Legendary, ...). I know PUI are padded and very nice looking.

[firstgenaddict]

I wish someone would use leatherette paper in the reproductions, the reason I suspect they have not is because it requires steam to press them out.

[Hans L]

Here's the front carpet from my '69.  Delux Interior (713), Console/gauge car.  04C build, Van Nuys.  Pretty sure it's the original carpet as it still had the OEM vendor tag attached when I removed it.    It came out in two pieces so I am assuming two pieces is correct for a '69 with console/gauges?

OEM Vendor Tag - note is was attached to the underside of the carpet, PASS side.

[firstgenaddict]

firstgenaddict, Is that why the lower sections of my original door panels have no cushion? When I press on the lower door panel section where the horizontal pleats are I don,t feel any cushion, just the backing. The PUI door panels I saw had a cushioned feel on the lower section pleats. I am wondering does anyone make 69 door panels that don't have cushioned lower section pleats.

If you tear a door panel apart there are blocks of paper door panel material which are die cut then glued into position where ever the raised sections are positioned, the distinct angles which are sharp is because the leatherette is pressed down to the lower area over a raised block the angle begins where the block ends, the angular area is actually hollow the blocks have sharp edges.

[asm69]

Hans L - Like your comments. It appears that original 1969 camaro's with a factory console received a front carpet that was left front and right front. In this discussion z28's were discussed. Is it  fair to say that if an original 1969 z28 came with a factory floor console then the front carpet should be in two pieces. Another interesting fact that may assist in vehicle verification.

[X33RS]

Well,  I can tell you my 69 Z28 is a factory console car and also has it's original split front carpet, with a piece of Velcro that holds the 2 halves together right above the console.

[Hans L]

Well,  I can tell you my 69 Z28 is a factory console car and also has it's original split front carpet, with a piece of Velcro that holds the 2 halves together right above the console.

No Velcro on the carpet halves I pulled from my car, but could be a different supplier than who provided the carpet to your car.  Allen Industries out of Compton, CA was the supplier for the carpet in my car.

Two halves should make the carpet installation an easier job and permits installing the console first then carpet.

[X33RS]

Could be different supplier.  I know a few months back we were talking about this and it may have been William or James (memory escapes me) who also found Velcro on his original carpet as well.  I think they were trying to determine build dates etc..   Not sure if they concluded this was an early build thing or a plant thing or what.  I lost track of the thread.   I can tell you mine is a 12D Norwood car though.

[ban617]

I have a question on original front seats , it's like the thread / stiching has come out of the seams can they be resewn they have no tears just the thread gave up ...

[firstgenaddict]

I have a question on original front seats , it's like the thread / stiching has come out of the seams can they be resewn they have no tears just the thread gave up ...

Yes... many of us have had seats restitched on the seams

[KJProX]

Wow what an enlightening thread. All this time I had thought my 09D build '69 RS center console and 4spd car had a cheap carpet put in in the '80's or someone hacked up the original when they reinstalled it. Looked like had not taken the time to unbolt seat brackets and such because of the long slits under the seat tracks in the rear carpet and the split front carpet. Looks like it might be the original carpet after all, be interesting when I take it out to replace it.