I recently purchased a 1971 Skylark custom with white seats & door panels that someone dyed rather poorly. So I was thinking I would just replace the seat covers & door panels. As I started to look I see that Legendary does not list white seat covers for a 71 convertible but does list front covers & rear covers for 1972 convertible with bench & armrest. When I look at Year One they list it for 1971 & 1972? Also I can't find a listing in PUI for 1971. Seems like 1972 only? So what is the difference in the two years? I really don't want Pearl & I would prefer not to strip these seats of dye even though there are no rips & they are in pretty good shape. Doesn't even seem like it is dye honestly, I tried to clean with some Westleys White Wall cleaner & the seats got sticky while some of the color lifted. The original interior color is sandlewood.
Although I am certain there are only a couple or a few interior reproduction manufacturers (like PUI), for other reproduction interior vendors, try: 1. OPGI/Original Parts Group, http://www.opgi.com/product.asp?topcatid=91&chapterid=91&topvalue=0&newflag=0&grpcode=770&yearrange=, I think I saw white available for coupe & conv. 2. Legendary Auto Interiors (Huge Supplier), http://www.legendaryautointeriors.com/, saw pearl whiite & sandalwood, no "white" for conv. I am not familiar with whether Buick had restricted interior colors for convertibles in any given year as compared to coupes, but I do remember that there were usually fewer conv. top colors offered than available interior colors. And, of course the issue of seat configuration exists w/ Buick eliminating the buckets & console option for Skylark/GS's in '71 & '72, except for SCO cars.
Even though Legendary doesn't show a "71 white" interior, they will make a stock interior (fabric or vinyl) in any color you want. Speak to anyone in sales and they can help you.
I am not sure who does or who does not make repro white interiors but for sure there was one, atleast pearl white. My interior trim code is 165 - Pearl white interior vinyl bucket seats. 155- Pearl white vinyl notchback seats were also in the sheet. There is no white for bench seats or cloth seats.
There are 2 manuf.....one is Legendary and the other is PUI. I would suggest if you have a conv....to stay away from white...you will never keep it clean or clean looking....go with a different color. I had a conv w/white int and won't own another one w/white int.
I love the way white looks on the car but that is my fear, keeping it clean. The car also has a white top so that makes it hard as well. I wish I could see Pearl in person but I understand that is even harder to keep clean. This car is a driver, although it is garaged, it will never be a show car. Plus all I ever wear is jeans & I would hate to worry about the seats picking up the color from the jeans. Plus the car does need a new top but I would hate to switch everything over to black. As usual what started out as a simple seat cover replacement is looking like a very expensive proposition.
Fish, Please add at least your first name to your signature line. Also, would be a good idea to at least at your city/state to your header bar info. Where do you live? My dad has a white top on his 442 conv.....can't keep it clean and within 2 years...it is permanently stained .... so it looks "blotchy". No real way to clean it....even bleach won't clean it.
Just saw your pics....who ever put the top on the car now.....did not do a good job....top fits poorly behind rear side windows indicated by wrinkles/creases.
The top is hammered & needs replacement anyway, has the typical tears over the rear quarter windows. In reality, I know all of it needs to be replaced but with a baby on the way I am doing as much of it as possible on my own & trying to make a solid driver out of it. The car is rock solid underneath but needs lots of cosmetics.
It was available in 71 on Skylark Custom and GS convert. It was code #166 on the data tag. 72 and 71 had the same seat patterns that is the way legendary sells them I believe.
I wouldn't own a Conv in the South with any thing but White. I can think of better ways to become a lobster.:af: I can't believe they ever built a Conv with Black interior YUK. DL
I tend to agree. In 1971 the white interior was called pearl. It's an off white, although parts of mine are turning more into yellowish parchment color. The 1972 was much more white white. I've owned both. White isn't hard to maintain as long as you do keep it clean with regular maintenance. If you let it get dirty then it's hard to clean back up again. Same with a white top. But white is the best color for a convertible interior if you plan to wear shorts.
I am thinking I am just going to go white even though it isn't "correct" the car was resprayed already & I have no plans of going back to the original Rosewood color so I might as well make the car look the way I like. I don't use the car every day so keeping up with the white interior shouldn't be that hard. I just didn't want to have to worry every time I drove the car that the seats would be blue from my jeans.
That color car would look drop dead gorgous with the 71 pearl white interior. Why don't you ask Legendary for a color sample of both the 71 pearl white, and the 72 off white, and then decide. I bet once you see the pearl color you will be sold. Duane
Is the pearl easy to care for? Also it will still look good with a white top correct? I have never seen Pearl in person or even a really good interior picture.
It is easy as long as you clean it regularly, just like any other color. I think white with a white top looks great, better than the black on black, or black interior and a white top, and I have owned all three combo's. To combat the "blue jeans" problem, I have purchased nice white bath towels from costco for about $10 each, and I place them on the seat bottom and sit on them. Haven't had a problem in the couple of years I have had the car.
fishwater If you had ever seen the 69-71 Pearl white interiors in person we would not be having this discussion. Duane
If you really want to go all out :laugh: "These photos were posted with out the expressed written concent of JKC". DL
Duane, it is real hard for me to tell looking at these pictures if I would like pearl or not, quite frankly they look just like an off white. Maybe I am missing something but I do like the fact that it could have come in my car. My car has been re-painted & everything was done so there is no trace of the original rosewood color. I want to stay with the current color so if pearl was an option this year instead of white I may just go with pearl. I think I need to send for a fabric sample, every time i see the color it just looks off white, almost ivory to me. Also it would require a complete re-do which isn't bad considering the shape of the interior! It just means more money ou: I could probably save my armrests & just dye those but everything else would have to be new to match I guess including headrests, door panels & skins.
