[Geokop]

Thank you for your insight, rotorwrench.
This car won't be a daily driver and shouldn't be beat to heck as it's enjoyed.
I was wondering if vinyl coverings detract from an otherwise period-correct car, and that maybe I should "splurge" and be 100% correct, as long as I wouldn't have to stress about it getting wet if caught in a sudden cloudburst, or about it getting too much sun.
I collect WW2 Imperial Japanese Army rifles, and there's much discussion about how to care for / preserve the original leather slings that are often found still attached to them. There's no consensus as to which product to apply, and some say that anything "leather care-related" will cause speedier degradation to the leather than do any good. Nothing can soften hard / stiff leather. (I leave mine alone and flex them as little as possible.)
Everything is appreciated!