Looking for used stock 53 C/K Commander front and back seat upholstery

[Kdancy]

I have the seats but the upholstery/pattern is not stock. I have a local friend that will duplicate it for me.

[Jeff_H]

There were I think 3 styles of fabric and 2 vinyl depending on what level trim of "C" or "K" your car is.

The cloth stuff is pretty rare to see as it was not very durable.

[Kdancy]

There were I think 3 styles of fabric and 2 vinyl depending on what level trim of "C" or "K" your car is.

The cloth stuff is pretty rare to see as it was not very durable.

Looking at John Bridge's book "Studebaker Finest" I am most interested in the vinyl leatherette that was available in the 53 C and K. The seats I have are out of a 53 Commander Regal Starliner but they were redone years ago and only remotely resemble the original vinyl seat pattern with the vertical pleats.
It would be great if I could come up with an original vinyl seat pattern.
I also read that the original seat pleats were pressed flat, hiding the stitches. I imagine SMS upholstery could replicate it.

[StudeRich]

The '53 & '54 K Models were all Regals, so the only option was Cloth and Vinyl or Full Vinyl, and you rarely ever see the later on an Original "as from the Factory Car".

Also the front seat was a 60/40 split back with vertical Pleats, but the driver's side ONLY had the Insert with Pleats.

Southeast Studebaker has them, this set is from the Harger's Original Co. Phantom Interiors.

Yes, there is no exposed stitching, it is on the Inside. What's the name for that: French Pleated or stitching?

[rkapteyn]

I have some N.O.S.rear seat pieces in light brown vinyl , with the hidden seams if you just want to copy the originals.It will take awhile to locate these due to the cold and I am old.
Robert Kapteyn
Eight one five 212 two three eight nine
studebaker@mac.com

[Hallabutt]

Hidden seams? All the originals that I have seen have been top stitched. As a matter of fact a good friend restored his 1954, using leather, which was an option. His wife worked in an upholstery shop part time, and did the stitching and installation. They asked me whether I thought that they should use the "french stitching," (hidden seams?) which took more work and used more material, and was stitched from the back. I said that it would make a much better looking job. We all knew that it was not factory correct, but...She used the french stitch. The car was absolutely beautiful! Their plan was to show the car, one time, and then drive it. The show that they chose happened to have Rene' Hagger (sp), as a judge. The upshot, the only points the car lost was for the French stitching. Just be advised it's not right, but it sure beats the look of the original.

[bezhawk]

It's called "rolled" pleats. French stiching is a whole other thing completely.

[Hallabutt]

So you're saying that rolled pleats=hidden seams? Studebaker used top stitched rolled pleated upholstery, but the stitching was always visible.

[Kdancy]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=joGDGVFdxDg

here is a French seam. You can see the stitching. ??

[Hallabutt]

Thank's Kerry, I get it now.

[tim333]

This is my 30,600 mile 53, fresh out of 21 year slumber.

[StudeRich]

This is my 30,600 mile 53, fresh out of 21 year slumber.

Just so you know, Phantom Interiors was making reproduction Seat Covers with hidden Stitching like the ones in Post #4 and possibly yours, before 21 Years ago!

Is your Mileage DOCUMENTED as actual?

Understand that I am not saying your Car is not 100% Original, just that it IS possible to be more miles and restored, unless there is Documented History.

[tim333]

I found a repair receipt for a front end alignment in the glove box dated 11/9/1997 with 27,065 miles. Works for me.

[thunderations]

Isn't there a "For Sale/Wanted" forum for needed parts? Perhaps this would get more attention there. Just a thought.

[Kdancy]

Roberts NOS 53 rear seat upholstery.
??