Project Resto is beginning and as part of the big plan, I am looking at getting this upholstery style as originally offered in 1968 Wildcats. I've found a good trimmer down here who can supply a very close copy of the fabric and make this pattern for my '68. But he and I are stumped as to where we can find these buckle-like rectangular trim pieces, which would be pinned (?) in place, right? Any ideas? I'm willing to look at anything that will look damn similar, figuring that the genuine items will be unobtainable. Was this kinda thing common across car upholstery of this vintage?
Those “buttons” look like the same design as the ones used for the Standard (not deluxe/custom) interiors for the 1970 Skylark/GS front bench seat interiors. These same “buttons” were used in certain year Chevy pick-ups as well. They are not reproduced as far as I know, so you will need to find used examples off of old original seats. Also, These buttons have 2 prongs on the back that push into contoured backing plates. These plates are contoured to fit just these buttons, so you need them as well…….and more importantly, you need to pop the buttons off of the plates without breaking them. You will need to cut the foam and vinyl out from between the button & backing plate, and then separate them. There is a special pair of plyers that was specifically made to do this. I have a pair of those as I had an upholstery shop for years. I have often popped them apart for people on this board and have a pretty good record of removing them without breakage. I don’t know how many of these you need but there are only 4 of these buttons (per car) on the 70 Standard Skylark/GS interiors. I can look to see if I have any left but think they are all gone. Good luck with your search. Duane Ps, Do you know a guy named Bob Smith? He lives in Melbourne also and has a 64 Fairlane 4-door that I helped him get material and chrome beading for his interior. If you know him tell him I said hello.
