Series II restoring interior

[hoppyrover]

We have a 1959 Series II 109 with the elephant hide material on the seats, doors and some additional trim. The truck is a really nice one that we'd like to restore properly. Should we get the existing interior parts recovered or buy the new parts on the market? If recovered, what's a good source? Thanks.

[o2batsea]

Is it a Station Wagon? Those were very few, and even fewer made it to the USA. Those few that have survived until now usually have the same state of aging interiors. There are simply no replacement pieces for them. There are maybe ten or twenty 2A wagons that are still in good original condition in North America. This is the challenge.
Save as much as you can. The door cards and trim cards can be restored with new (3mm marine plywood) hardboard, but there is no more elephant hide material to be had. If you are able to reuse the original, you are miles ahead. Do not throw any of it away.
I have found that the gentle use of a heat gun will temporarily restore the pliability of the old material. Then use a plasticizer to help soften the old vinyl. This will let you stretch the old dried out stuff over the new boards so you can glue/staple it in place.
For the actual seating, the best strategy is to buy aftermarket seats and save the originals. Exmoor makes an "elephant hide" covering for the front seats only. Perhaps over time you will be able to find more original interior parts that will allow you to fill out the missing or damaged. Only use the original seats on the occasions when you want to show it off.
The other material, Hardura, can be had from Badger Coachworks. Chris can also provide the other Station Wagon only stuff like the tunnel cover and footwell trim, side bolsters and headlining.
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Throw yourself on the mercy of Ike, maybe he can help you.

[hoppyrover]

It is a Station Wagon. The arm rests are pretty shot. The rest of it could be redone as you suggested. Good idea to reach Ike. Thanks.

[TeriAnn]

I renewed the interior of my 1960 109 with a full kit from Exmoor Trim about a year and a half ago. Along with all new floor and kick panel trim it made the inside look like factory new. The elephant hide material they currently use a WAY better than their earlier offering. You can buy an all new interior from them ready to install.

It was pricy even going directly to the UK to purchase the full kit but even today it feels like I'm hopping into a near new SII.

[hoppyrover]

Thanks TeriAnn. That may be the way to go and store the original parts for the next owner.