Went to talk to an interior guy today and left with more questions than answers...

I'm assuming on return from paint shop I need to install a/c, windows (all glass) , wipers, wiring (as much as possible in cab... insulation and what else ??

have seats/drawers mounted and console installed with top cover and holes in place for switches, radio, cup holders, etc.

question on door panels/headliner, etc... is it better to let the interior guy cut and build all these or order the panels from Mid-50 etc and let him cover the abs stuff...

and the abs stuff.... does it fit well or will he have to do a lot of extra work to get a good job... time is money

and the other question is answer all the other questions I'm too dumb to think of asking

I was very please with his work in other vehicles... his price surprised me...


j

 

I guess that it is the destination that dictates the road travelled more than anything else. Living in SoCal I have had the opportunity to see the interiors created by some of the legends of the upholstery industry. I was talking with Ron Mangus a couple of years ago at the GNRS and told him what I had in mind for my interior...his response was bring me the truck and I will do all the rest, including the design, color, etc. I guess if you pay for their expertise you are expected to buy the whole package. On the other hand I have spoken with shops who do great work and are very appreciative of any "pre-work" an owner can do. I fabricated a trunk lid liner for my 40 Ford coupe and a headliner for my 56 F100...this shop really liked that fact that I did some of the grunt work, their task was easier, I was happier since the design was to my liking, and the price was less which made me even happier.
John, you are a very talented fabricator I am sure you could make all the interior panels yourself and have them be better made than most shops would make them. I went to various shops and read many publications before I made my interior panels, do a little homework and keep your upholstery guy in the loop and all should be happy in the end.

 

When I did my 56 a few yrs ago I opted for the ABS headliner from Mid Fifty. It was a bit of a chore but it looks better than the cardboard liner that is aviable. I did fit it and had to do some trimming but in the end it fits very nice. The door panels I got some ABS from an upholstery shop and cut and fit them to the doors. Instead of drilling holes in my perfect doors, I uses heavy duty Velcro. The best part is they are tight and I don`t have those steel buttons that like to rattle eventually.

 

The interior panels for the 48 et al body are the cardboard units. I had the header panel covered in vinyl to match the seats and door panels.