storm damage

[Ken B]

We came back yesterday from a wonderful car show through a very strong wind and rain storm. Something hit the top of our car and broke one of the wood bows. The roof then started to leak badly. When I got home I started a fan and dehumidifier in the car and pulled out the seats also to check how far the water traveled. My question is: Can the headliner be cleaned to remove the water stains that were created from the leaking roof without shrinking it or damaging the 84 year old fabric? I would prefer this option to replacing it as the interior is all original. My insurance adjuster said the it could be replaced along with the top and bow but I would rather keep it original. The headliner isn't ripped at all but rather the water pulled out all the dirt, smoke, etc... and have created large stains on it now that it is drying.

[pooch]

Don't ya wish that pure rain water could get stains out of house carpet or lounges so easy .

[mshmodela]

Oh, sorry about your bit of bad luck, good luck with the repair.

[Dal's Dream Car]

You would probably have to take the whole headliner out anyhow. Maybe a good dry cleaner could bring it back for you?

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Nothing lasts FOREVER, just look at me!! There comes a time when you HAVE to give up on original stuff. "MAYBE" you could find an "OFF" color fabric that might blend in with the rest of the original upholstery. The headliner is sort of a "plain Jane" flannel like material, that's available in MANY colors. Check samples at your local upholstery shop.--Bill W.

[P.S.]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I'm so sorry that happened, Ken.

Unfortunately, without removing the headliner, not much you can do. You could try steam, but you still have the same problem, and it will never match exactly.

Again, very very sorry. I know how you feel.

[Ken B]

I do plan on removing the headliner and see if there is a cleaning method that won't harm the 84 year old fabric. I will also need to replace the broken bow and replace the top. I was told that there is an upholstery shop nearby that might be able to clean it. I am sure that there is moisture trapped in the roof wadding yet that will need replacing also.

[insomniacshotrods]

Good luck , hope it works out for you.

[w.michael]

You need to contact a museum that has a textile expert/fabric conservator. They may be able to help you or give you some free advice. Don't just chunk it into the washing machine, or hand it to a dry cleaner who is not an expert in fabrics and willing to do some research before trying what "might" work.

It looks like you have a beautiful original interior, and I hope you can save the headliner. I would rather have a slightly stained original than a spotless replacement.

W. Michael

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Dal's Dream Car

You would probably have to take the whole headliner out anyhow. Maybe a good dry cleaner could bring it back for you?

That is what i was thinking. As you have to remove it anyway to repair the broken top bow you have nothing to lose.

Vendors sell just the top bows.

[700rpm]

Originally Posted by w.michael

You need to contact a museum that has a textile expert/fabric conservator. They may be able to help you or give you some free advice. Don't just chunk it into the washing machine, or hand it to a dry cleaner who is not an expert in fabrics and willing to do some research before trying what "might" work.

W. Michael

That would be my suggestion also. Most dry cleaners have a fixed method for everything, and no interest in doing specialty work.

[juke joint johnny]

I think W. Michael and 700 rpm are on the right track !!!
Some of the museums deal with Tapestries that are 2-300 years old they wil know a specialist who can clean it .

Good Luck and let us know how you get on .
John Cochran

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Dal's Dream Car

You would probably have to take the whole headliner out anyhow. Maybe a good dry cleaner could bring it back for you?

Originally Posted by juke joint johnny

I think W. Michael and 700 rpm are on the right track !!!
Some of the museums deal with Tapestries that are 2-300 years old they wil know a specialist who can clean it .

Good Luck and let us know how you get on .
John Cochran

How much does anyone think a specialist will charge? Here is a contact.

http://www.twincities.com/ci_12481395

[C26Pinelake]

One thing you know for sure is that after it is cleaned it will be a much different color than you remember it. After all it had 85 years of dirt and smoke imbedded in it. So if itis going to be different why not just buy a new one ? Do you not have insurance on the car and if so I am sure the comprehensive will cover the damage and a professional does the repairs.
Good. Luck, Wayne

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

The biggest issue I think you will have is working with a piece of material where the selvage and excess has been removed. I suppose a piece of extra could be sewn on the extreme edges to pull with but this is going to be tedious. It is likely doable, -just time consuming.

[Tom Wesenberg]

I can't help with this unfortunate mess, but last year I bought a large plastic tarp and bungee cords to carry in my car, just in case I get caught in a bad rain. I'll park the car off road and quickly cover it, rather than continue in the rain.

[1930artdeco]

Sorry about your luck Ken. How about this idea. If it can be cleaned-and it can. Since the insurance company is going to pay for a replacement go for it. BUT, keep the original and send it to MAFFI. This way you have a matching interior and the original interior is kept in one piece in a museum.

Mike

[tbirdtbird]

The University of Rhode Island has a Textile and Fashion Merchandising Department (TMD).

They are well-versed in historic fabrics. Why not give a call and see what they might suggest? Or where they might send you? A call to them would be free.

http://www.uri.edu/hss/tmd/faculty.html

What a shame to happen to a nice original car

[Ray in La Mesa]

One source for fabric knowledge is our distaff side. Check with some of the fashion experts about cleaning vintage material, that's what they do with some of the original clothes.

[BlueSunoco]

I just don't see how 84 year old fabric will be 'right' again after a cleaning. At 84 years old, that fabric will not be workable and besides, it will be 100 years old here pretty soon. It's outlived it's usefulness. Prone to breakage, ripping, etc.

I'd save the old stuff, give it to the MAFFI museum if they wanted it, and have new installed.

[Ken B]

Thanks for all the replies. My insurance does cover replacing the headliner but I wanted to exhaust any possibilities of saving it without having to send it to a museum restoration business. The adjuster for the insurance company prefers me to have this repair done by someone other than me or others in our club. I am having a real hard time finding a repair shop nearby that has any experience with a Model A. The search continues.

[Mitch//pa]

Ken i have been following your thread and am sorry to hear about what happened.. do you have the expertise to perform the repairs yourself?

[old car guy]

Sorry for you problem . Had a similar thing yrs ago on a 40ties cad. We wet the headliner in place down and very carefully washed it in place by hand and then took a wet vac with a very soft brush and sucked the water out . It took several attempts and it cleaned nicely with no apparent damage visible . Hope this might help. Best of luck

[Russ/40]

I can't imagine the material being durable enough to withstand a cleaning and re-installation. Like Brent said, you would have to add to the material to allow for handling and adjusting during installation. Just too much messing with the material for it to survive all that. JMHO. Sorry for your predicament, it is a shame.

[Clem Clement]

Years ago in a Model A rag (Busted Knuckles or something like that.), someone said that rubbing the back of a silver spoon on the water stain line will remove the line. I have not tired that method.

[Ed Saniewski]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I used a Bissel green carpet and curtain cleaner to clean the original broadcloth upholstery in my 31 town sedan, and it worked great. I mixed Woolite and water for the solution. I would remove the headliner and give it a try. What do you have to loose? If it dose not turn out well, then you can get a new head liner. Find a local auto upholsterer and have him install it.

[Barry B./ Ma.]

I would bite the bullet and buy a new headliner from LeBaron Bonney and replace the top at the same time. I wouldn't want a patched up and stained mess and the lack of selvage as Brent says would be a real challenge and when done you won't be happy with the result. Unfortunate but those things happen.

[C26Pinelake]

Originally Posted by Ken B

Thanks for all the replies. My insurance does cover replacing the headliner but I wanted to exhaust any possibilities of saving it without having to send it to a museum restoration business. The adjuster for the insurance company prefers me to have this repair done by someone other than me or others in our club. I am having a real hard time finding a repair shop nearby that has any experience with a Model A. The search continues.

Is it not the insurance companies obligation to find the restoration shop? Why would you want to do it yourself when the insurance company will hire a professional which will likely exceed your skill level. Let them have it and let the work get started !
Wayne