1928 Packard Reupholstery & Custom Wheel Covers – Classic Car Interior Restoration
At Alex Upholstery Shop, we take pride in reviving history—one stitch at a time. Our recent project featured a 1928 Packard, a timeless symbol of pre-war American luxury. This remarkable vintage vehicle, nearly a century old, came into our shop for a partial interior restoration. The goal? To preserve its original elegance while upgrading it with precision-crafted upholstery work and custom-made wheel covers.
🛠️ The Challenge
This 1928 Packard is not just a car—it’s a living artifact. With its original body in excellent condition and its owner dedicated to authenticity, our challenge was to carefully match the style and sophistication of the original design. The interior had seen better days, especially the seat, which needed full reupholstery, and the exposed wheels, which required custom-fit protective covers that would enhance both form and function.
✂️ Seat Reupholstery
The seat was completely stripped, and all internal padding was inspected. Over the decades, the original cushioning had deteriorated, which is common in antique cars exposed to temperature changes. We rebuilt the seat using high-density foam layers, carefully contoured for comfort while preserving the original seat profile.
We then selected premium-grade black automotive vinyl, chosen for its durability and historical appearance. The panels were machine-stitched with tight, consistent seams to emulate the traditional patterns found in Packard interiors from the era.
Each section—backrest, base, and side bolsters—was upholstered individually and reassembled by hand. Special attention was given to symmetry and tension to avoid sagging or puckering over time. The final result is a seat that blends seamlessly with the vintage cabin while providing modern comfort and longevity.
🛞 Custom Wheel Covers
One of the highlights of this project was the fabrication of custom wheel covers. Because of the car’s unique proportions and design, off-the-shelf solutions were not an option. We took precise measurements of all four wheels and designed tailored covers to match.
Constructed from heavy-duty marine-grade vinyl with double-stitched seams, these wheel covers are built to protect the tires during transport or indoor storage. Velcro flaps and hidden elastic edges ensure a snug fit without interfering with the aesthetics of the vehicle. The covers were also padded on the inside to prevent rubbing against the wheel spokes or fenders.
These covers don’t just serve a protective purpose—they’re an aesthetic complement that adds to the Packard’s commanding road presence.
🔧 Upholstery That Honors History
Restoring a nearly 100-year-old car demands more than skill—it requires respect for its story. Every detail in this project was a tribute to the legacy of American engineering and design. Whether it’s the hand-finished corners of the seat, or the custom-tailored wheel covers, our upholstery solutions were driven by precision and a deep passion for automotive heritage.
