hello new member

[superted]

Hi all just found your site and need a bit of help just got a 53 catlina hard top in fair condition it's straight 8 3 speed but the interior is a bit sad it's cream and light green same as the car. the back seat looks like leather (painted) the front seat is vinal as is the door panels they are all diffrent shades.So where would be the best place to source the material samuels don't go back this far for a kit ,shame. i live inthe uk land of the $9.00 gallon !!! 80% of that is tax don't we love the goverment Ted

[Larry]

Welcome to PontiacRegistry.com. Please use it for all your Pontiac questions and needs.

You are right, Harry doesn't go back that far. There may be other places that do, but I am unaware of them. I have an idea though. Drop a note to our English Pontiac Technical Advisor, Graham Webber, to see if he has any contacts over your way.

You can find Graham's contact information in our Technical Advisors listing under the Members Only heading. he has been in the Pontiac hobby for a long time and has a lot of good information to share.

Keep us posted on your progress.

Thanks,
Larry

[superted]

Thanks for that .and i thought i was on me own over here Ted

[superted]

Hi looks like the same colour but in reverse the seats look the same with ivory tops and buttons Ted

[50scars]

That is the Super Deluxe Catalina. Those colors were specific to that particular model, and the interior was color matching. In 50, 51, and 52, the SD also had exclusive colors, 50 was San Pedro Ivory and Rust, with either matching two tome all leather, or Cloth and leather bolsters. 51 was Safire Blue and Malibu Ivory, and 52 was Seafoam Green and Belfast green. The 2537 SD also had carpet throughout where then 2537 D has a rubber mat in the front compartment. I'm not sure if 53 Chieftan Deluxe Pontiacs still had a rubber mat in front or not.

[Larry]

Car manufacturers used to make tri-tone interiors with chrome trim, carpet panels, pleats, stitched-in emblems, etc. Exteriors were two-tone, and even some tri-tone, slathered with heavy chrome bumpers and trim. Size was barge category with lots of metal. Additionally, the styles changed every year in some way and every couple-to-few years in radical ways. AND!!! The car companies were making money!

Today the interiors are simple plastic with stamped out plastic panels, chrome trim is gone, seats are mono at best. Exteriors are one color, chrome is gone, and bumpers are rubber covered I-beams. Size (hence metal used) is down, replaced in many places with plastic. Styles drag on for years without change (other than perhaps number of cup holders). AND!!! The car companies are losing their asses!

Well, except for the foreign manufacturers. But then again, most non-US companies don't have multi-gazillion dollar top executives, Vice Presidents of every depatment including VP of Plant Toilet Paper Distribution... AND, they also don't have mega-billion dollar insurance and benefit payouts stareing them in the face.

Good old greedy US. Greedy workers and greedy companies afraid to have stood up many years ago and gotten their affairs in order. Do I feel sorry for them now... not on your life.

[superted]

Hi all you are right the cat had leather seats and vinyl door trim that matches the out side also the chrome trim on the doors is great .I think that the trim on the whole car looks so mutch better than the chevy belair (thats going to start something!!) will try to get a picture of the door panel and seats .still need a source for the leather though as my front seat has been done in vinyl at some time, will keep you posted Ted :D

[Larry]

Try contacting Bill Hirsch at: http://www.hirschauto.com/

He is a good guy, very helpful, and has tons of products-- including leather-- fo rthe older cars.

Let us know how you progress.

[50scars]

Several years ago I bought some leather from Bill Hersch for a 54 Catalina I had. I trimmed off a little sample of bothe the white and tan He matched it PERfectly.