One of the first jobs I did on my 1955 Studebaker was redoing the car’s interior. Even though I didn’t know what I was doing – I had a pretty good sewing background and figured I could handle it. As it turned out, it was a terrific first job for me. I had a lot of fun, met some challenges, and learned along the way. I’ve since had the chance to learn a few secrets and have been looking forward to another car interior restoration.

Well…the time is here. When I picked out the materials to use in my Stude, I knew they weren’t very sturdy but I didn’t really care. A few years of daily wear later, my driver’s seat-back has been torn to shreds.

Before embarking on this next car restoration adventure, I thought I’d ask for your opinion. Car shows are great places to look for what you like and might want to incorporate into your own project. So that’s just what I did. While trying to keep my head on straight while looking at all the amazing customs at the Long Beach Motorama, I grabbed some shots of various car interiors.

Some are simple, some are classy, some are over-the-top. You be the judge, what do you think would look best in my lovely Studebaker hot rod?

This over-the-top number was complete with front swivel seats, drink holders, and even an old-style car phone!

Simple and clean. It’s a nice change to see tuck-and-roll going horizontal- and the tuck and roll on the side panels looks goooooood too!

Another version of tuck and roll. It’s hard to see in these pictures, but the tuck-and-roll areas is a slightly textured and printed white material.

It doesn’t get much simpler than this! It looks like this car is ready for a picnic!

Classic Tuck and Roll. I like the side panel pattern.

I thought this was a really interesting combination. Horizontal tuck and roll in the middle with a blocked pattern in the insets and door panels. Clean!

I’ve never seen this sort of unique combination! I like the combination of shiny and matte vinyls!

I love the lines created in this tuck-and-roll combination…striking!

I’ve always liked couch-like elements to my car seat! How about this one?

Although Stude’s bench seat is much larger then this little truck’s…I loved the metallic bits in the black material.

If I wanted to go really crazy! This custom job includes an asymmetrical center console and furry rounded back seat. Groovy!

Nothing’s wrong with simple. This picture was actually taken inside of a Studebaker Hawk over at the Studebaker Shop in Long Beach. It could be the original interior for this car. While most of these pictures I’m only considering the pattern and not the color choice – I really like the gold color of these seats and think it might work in Stude.

What do you think? Place your vote below! And if you’re thinking of redoing your own car’s interior, be sure to check out the video I made along with my pal Luis at Loyola Auto Interiors – 5 Things To Consider Before Tackling Your Car’s Interior.

12 Responses

  1. Steve Puvogel

    Howdy, Grease Girl! I want to compliment you on your blog. It is one of the best ones I have seen. I am the webguy for The Rat Bastards Car Club here in Washington State. It takes a lot of work to put a web presence together like you have. You have done a great job. I like your Stude too.

    Steve Puvogel

    Reply
    • greasegirl

      Thanks so much Steve! It’s nice to hear good feedback…I do put a lot of time in the blog, second to my own car…sharing what I learn with others is a passion of mine! I want to see more ladies (and other beginners) out there driving and working on there cars!
      Happy Trails,
      Kristin

      Reply
  2. Jesse

    I love the simple plaid, personally. It looks like something you could get to hold up for a long time, and you won’t be able to pick out little grease stains you’ll inevitably get on them when you get in after wrenching on it.

    Reply
  3. Jos

    Hey Kristin.

    Great selection you’ve put together there. Good research work !!
    I also saw some good ideas for my interior, I think I will ask your advice if I start on it….
    I liked all the horizontal Tuck&roll options best. And the B&W Tuck-Square combination fits you and Stude best…. Afterwards I saw that most voters thought like that.

    Grz. Jos.

    Reply
  4. Kimberly

    My vote is keep it “couchy” I love feeling like I’m sitting in a livingroom while I ride in the Stude! 🙂

    Reply
  5. john poole

    just stumbled on your blog looking for ideas for my truck. love the purple diamond tuck. is it me or does the pink look like the inside of a coffin. great work, both your work and your blog. not a lot of us do our own upholstery. have a good day, and thanks for sharing.. johnP

    Reply
  7. chevy jim

    hi i would like to see a pix of your car.
    i just bought a walking foot sewing machine,
    and i am doin a all red interior
    like the purple and white one
    for my satin black 60 impala convertible .
    keep up the good work stude’s are cool cars

    Reply
    • Kristin Cline

      Thanks Jim! Good luck with your interior (I do have a number of different articles on my learnings there) & also all sorts of pictures of Studie across this site 🙂

      Reply

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