Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Landy Des]

The only thing that lets down the appearance of my '50 Pilot is the wool headlining. It has had moth or maybe even mice at some time and needs replacing as it has a few holes.

I've just had a quote of a minimum of £1000 from a trimmer to replace. It isn't a job I feel comfortable to do myself but at £1000 + it isn't going to happen.

I'll get another quote for comparison when I can, but am I being unrealistic as I really didn't expect that sort of price.

[COMMAD]

YES DEFFINATLEY GET 2 OR3 QUOTES, did price include replaceing windlace around doors,if so get the prices itemized. Goodluck.

[peter scott]

Hi Des,

Given that you have the original as a pattern, you may not find it as difficult as you might expect.

I did mine in the SS about 20 years ago and I think it still looks reasonable.

Peter

See bottom left..



_________________
https://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

[Landy Des]

Hi Peter,

Blimey, I didn't realise I'd have to have the engine and diff out

It does look very good - I'll have a good look around and see if I can come up with some pointers.

I had another tentative quote today for £500-£600 to include the windlace so that is a bit closer but still a big wedge of money.

[Ashley]

My son is a trimmer, he charges £30 an hour and isn't VAT registered, he still loses work to cheaper trimmers, but he only does the exotic stuff and for concours www.richardjamesupholstery.com

I'm not touting for work he's got plenty, but I am saying that not many trimmers could do a really good headlining job in West of England wool cloth now, so a cheap quote may be for a cheap material and a semi skilled job. Be careful because Pilots are lovely old cars and want doing properly.

Marstons in Birmingham will be competitive for the material or HE Box in Weymouth.

Best of luck

Ash

[Landy Des]

Thanks Ash, that is some very good advice and very useful links.

Your son does some beautiful looking work and he isn't that far from me (80 miles) so a trip out may be on the cards....

[V8 Nutter]

As Ash says Marstons should be able to supply the materials williammarstonltd.co.uk

Vantasias they are are at Powick just outside Worcester do some good work mostly on custom vans, but they sometimes do work on new Morgans

[V8 Nutter]

Come to think of it I did a headlining on a Pilot many years ago. I can't remember where I bought the material from, but it was so long ago they have probaly gone now. From memory the headlining was held up by wire bows that were threaded through tubes of cloth sown onto the headlining. The edges of the headlining were tacked in place, I think it was into rubber strips set in the body the tacks were than hidden with "Hidem Banding" I did all the sewing on an ancient Singer treadle machine. It is possible I am mixing the Pilot with an old Plymouth I used to own, because I did the headlining on that aswell

[Ashley]