356 T-1 Rebuild

[gkw]

Thanks Justin,
The rear seat back is the only original part in the rear seat area that came with the car.
I have it covered in red leather in the picture below.
When the back is folded down there is a gap between back shelf and the seat back.
What am I missing here? I used a carpet set from a 356 vendor for a T-1.
Thanks Gordon

[JTR70]

Nice Work Gordon! No, you're not missing a thing; pre-a and 356AT1 all had the open gap with the seat back down. Sometime in mid-57 with the T2 phase-in they draped over this gap with a train of carpet hanging from the seat back. Three snaps were installed at the foot of the firewall to secure the end. Here's a shot of Roy's T2 coupe:

Additional details about this change can be found here:
http://www.abcgt.com/forum/4-356-Forum/5072-Evolution-of-the-356A-T1--T2-How-they-differ.html?limit=6&start=36
Keep up the great work, its really looking sharp!!
Justin

[gkw]

Rear area is getting closer. I don't know how any one could sit in the back seat.
Thanks Gordon

[Phil Planck]

Back when Fisher Body made all of the seat covers for GM autos(except Corvette), we had 100s of Adlers in our trim plants. Nice machines - and great sewer using this one.

Phil

[S.J.Szabo]

Mr.GKW:



Your interior looks terrific, of course. Having done my own headliner, I can appreciate the result of that tricky job.

I suppose I'm one of the few who does not know what contractor provided the original interior seats and trims for 356s.

[JTR70]

Beautiful work Gordon! You have all the great tools along with the talent to make things happen!

[roy mawbey]

Gordon,

Really nice work. The back seats are fine for kids although nowdays they need seat belts. Back in 70's I took my mum and dad for a trip of about 2 hours. My mum decided to go in the back sitting across the seat with my dad in the front. When she got out took her some time straighten out!!

I like your attention to detail. So many cars I see re-upholstered have carpet between the seat back and the seat bottoms. Vinyl or leather makes the transition look in my eyes so much better.

Well done.

Roy

[gkw]

Seats are in for the last fitting . Working on the door panels now and will post them
when done. Thanks Gordon

[JTR70]

Looks very cozy in there Gordon! Beautiful job on this interior, the pleats look amazing!
Justin

[gkw]

Just installing the last bit of leather on the dash. The total job took three cow hides.



Final cutting and buffing. trizac 3000 and 5000 .





Thanks, Gordon

[John Pierce]

Beautiful leather work! What's the color of the car?

[gkw]

Aquamarine blue metalic, it is the original color and was only
available in 1956. Thanks, Gordon

[JTR70]

The paint and your interior are just beautiful Gordon!!

[gkw]

Its getting close to seeing the light of day. Thanks Gordon

[John Pierce]

Beautiful! Is the ride height lowered? Looks sexy