Interior: Starting to clean interior - don't want to ruin anything

[orphanbiker]

I'm starting to clean the interior of my 58 Golden Hawk and I need some advice. My build sheet makes no mention of seat belts, but my car has them. I believe they are Hickok brand (no "S" on the buckles). They seem to be professionally installed. The dash has a couple of "Fasten Seat Belts" stickers. I'm thinking I don't want to damage them.

Were these seat belts commonly installed by dealers? Were they aftermarket and installed by the previous owner?

Also, I'm wondering if the horn button is correct. It may be hard to tell from the photo, but the hawk is silver. Shouldn't it be gold?

I'm sure the seat covers are not original and are covered in mildew. I've cleaned a bit of the drivers side seat with some mildew remover, and they are cleaning up nicely.

A new interior is in the cards, but until that happens, does anyone see anything that would throw up a red flag?

Thanks for your help,
Eric

[nwi-region-rat]

I resurrected a car parked in a garage for over 30 years. LOTS of Simple Green. Get some nice towels to use, and just wash them....the interior came out like new. I was impressed enough now I buy the stuff by the gallon
.

[Skip Lackie]

You can remove the seat belts and let them soak for a while in mild laundry soap. Slosh them around a bit, rinse, and lay out on the blacktop for a few minutes to dry. You'll be amazed at how dirty the water gets.

[skyway]

Eric,
So they expected the driver and the FS passsenger to BOTH wear their seatbelts?
How radical!
Also, if you have not yet done so, come visit with the local club sometime.
I don't have the details with me right now, but we meet one Sunday a month on North Lindbergh just north of 270.
Gary

[Swiss-Goldenhawk]

Eric,

There recently was a thread about the correct emblem on a 1957 Golden Hawk. http://forum.studebakerdriversclub.c...ht=horn+button

Here is another good website with information about horn buttons http://www.docstoc.com/docs/75531952...ug_BUTTONS_all

Your 1958 Golden Hawk should have a golden bird on it.

[allstateguy]

and you should seek out Matt Burnette's thread on cleaning up his 57 Broadmoor wagon. Same deal with mildew and being careful. His before and after shots will show how he did. Impressive.

[orphanbiker]

Thanks to all for your help. I feel confident I can make the mildew go away and clean up the chrome and dash surface. Should I try to save the "Fasten Seat Belts" stickers?