Cleaning the Original Upholstery

[psimet]

My '28 Tudor is rough but a survivor. We will most likely do a full restoration at some point but for now the goal is to keep it as is and get it running the best we can.

With that in mind - the upholstery is really dirty but what's still there is in solid shape. I am looking for ideas on how to at least try and clean what I can without actually damaging it.

I was thinking of steam cleaning devices but I have no leads on one that might work nor am I sure I won't be causing more damage. Any ideas? I can take better pictures later but here's some general ones to get an idea. It's a blue interior.

[700rpm]

Wow! That’s in excellent condition. If it were me I’d do everything I could to preserve it; original upholstery in good condition is very rare. I don’t know the best way to clean it, but you could consult with your local historical society or a dry cleaning place, or perhaps an upholsterer who still works with cloth. Or maybe someone at the Ford Museum (MAFFI) could advise you. If you decide to replace it, keep it stored safely for future reference.You have a precious commodity there. In fact, your whole car may win awards for being so perfectly unrestored!

[psimet]

Yeah everyone who sees it usually says within the first few minutes that I should keep it as a survivor. The headliner is gone (I remember if hanging like stalactites when I would ride in it 30 years ago) and the front seats have tears at the tops of the backs but they are still there and highly functional.

As a kid the interior was the scariest part of this car (some because it was on a farm and there were always the fear of mice) but now it's grown on me.

[Bob Bidonde]

Call Classtique and ask for Mike. Explain what you want to do including installing a new headliner.
(800) 208-9032

[supergnat]

I agree that your interior looks great. My 28 Leatherback also has the original interior. I would hesitate to try to clean it since the fabric is very delicate (especially the sides of the interior). My fabric appears to be suffering from dry rot. I just live with the stains as they are. Check out my photos under the title of 28 Leatherback Interior. People find original interiors very interesting. I have also been told that my top is original except for being painted. Enjoy your treasure from the past. Supergnat

[ronn]

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I agree with supergnat- dont think there is anyway to clean your interior wo
damaging it further.
steam is going to have it fall apart. a light soap and water wont do much and will cause damage just from the pressure.

[psimet]

Originally Posted by Bob Bidonde

Call Classtique and ask for Mike. Explain what you want to do including installing a new headliner.
(800) 208-9032

I emailed him and sent a video. He stated he didn't think the fabric would hold up to cleaning.

I understand where everyone is coming from but I don't think I can explain how resilient this stuff still is. It isn't crusty or tight, etc. It feels like it was just made.

Reading up on antique upholstery cleaning agrees with no water or heat. They do recommend dry foam. Not sure I'm ready for that. If I did I would test it in a small area.

Kind of sad really because it would look amazing if it was cleaned...