Cost of top and interior

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I’d do a top every now and then, but I’m not taking any more complete jobs. Tops are a fairly straight forward project, interiors can pose a lot of other problems….

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David,

The top was done 15 years ago.

Tony

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I am no expert or even a novice for that matter, but I have seen David’s work first hand and in my humble opinion it is top notch. He is meticulous and furthermore, he cares…which goes without saying in my book. He treats each project like it was his own! As said before, we are lucky to have someone with his expertise in the Society.

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Thanks for the kind words, James.

I am not in any way looking for work. I’m trying to finish up a couple of promised projects, then get time to work on my own stuff.

Any comments by me are not solicitations for work. Just adding my two cents, which is more than worth in some cases!

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I don’t know if Ken is still accepting work, but he did

a wonderful job on one of my cars. Great guy to deal with

and really knows his trade.

Johnny Crowell

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what material is correct for the top and side curtains on a 1919 PA 7 pass touring

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and where is the best place to get it?

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Tom, “Pantasote” (a then-registered trademark) was the standard topping for Pierce cars of that vintage (and for my 1922 Paige). Other materials were available.

Eric Haartz has reproduced several variations of “Pantasote” using more effective modern materials. This is a >100-year-old family owned business. http://www.haartz.com I recall getting some samples for my Paige about 15 years ago but never pulled the trigger. Pay attention to the inner material (Pantasote is, I think, three-layered) which varies from one make to another. My Paige has a twill inner material–which is NOT so say lining.

David Coco may weigh in, and he’s the best authority.

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Thanks, but I’m no authority.

A Pantasote type material was what was used. This was a woven cloth base, coated on the outside surface with a waterproof material. It was the precursor to modern day vinyl, which is exactly that construction, differing only in the waterproof material used.

Eric Haartz provides what is referred to as a “replicated Pantasote”, which is basically a vinyl material that’s had varied imprinted surface textures applied. It also has varied base materials, and the inner layer’s appearance varies from solid colors to a whipcord finish, which is striped.

So, long story short, you cannot buy today the exact original material as would have been found on a 1919 Pierce. Either go with a replicated Pantasote, or go with the well known Haartz/STayfast material.

Either way, my advice is to go with an inside color that is light, to brighten up the interior of the when top is up.

Eric did a special custom job for me a few years back, taking 40 yards of replicated Pantasote with whipcord backing, “melting” the heavy grain and putting more of an original style pattern on it. It’s still vinyl, but it came out great on the four cars that now have it, and enough for one more car (mine!). Shown is 1907 Autocar top, two identical ones I did and were the reason for the custom material, as we had a beautiful original top to copy.

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Picture didn’t post, oh well.

As to the replicated Pantasote, if you go that route, talk to Eric Haartz directly. He’s very helpful and deals in the oddball stuff, he does NOT directly sell Haartz/Stayfast, but does directly sell many early special materials.

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I have talked with Eric approx 6 mo ago.. He indicated replicated Pantasote was not avaliable any longer.

Who sells the Haartz/Stayfast?

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Haartz cloth is available from Bill Hirsch Auto Parts and LeBaron Bonnie. Many wholesale upholstery outlets sell it, too.

I actually had one wholesaler quote a price per yard higher than Hirsch cost….

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David and George,

Thanks a bunch for your help.

Tom

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