[wv65gto]

For those of you who have redone Tempest interiors. Were there two interior patterns in 1961? I was looking at the pictures on ebay and it appears there were two different door patterns. I guess I assumed since there was no Lemans in 61' that there was only one pattern. Who do you feel provides the best interior covers from headliner, door panels,seat covers to carpet? My car is a two door bucket seat model. Thanks as always, Donnie

[mechanickeith]

Well, over 30 views & nobody has chimed in. So guess I will try & answer.

There were 2 different levels of interior for 61. The standard stock interior was referred to as "Potomac Pattern" cloth with Morrokides in a jewel tone finish. Basically it was a cloth seat covering with a vinyl trim piece in the center of the bench seats & around the bottom & sides. Standard interiors had rubber floor coverings, no carpet & cloth door panel coverings.

The upgrade or "Custom Interior Trim" was a 3 tone pattern made up of all Morrokides including what was called "Seville grain Jeweltones". This style of seat coverings had a grain in it & had a sort of metallic sheen. Custom interiors also had loop pile carpeting with a vinyl surfaced rubber piece under the drivers feet at the gas & brake pedal area. The custom interior pattern was carried over to the door panels with a 3 color design that matched the seats. The custom interior was available in 5 different 3 toned combinations. The steering wheels were available in Black Pearl, Bristol Blue, Vermont Green, Cherrywood Bronze & Burgandy.

If you have a 2 door with Buckets, it should have a 3 tone interior. I have never seen a 2 door bucket seat car with cloth seats. All 61 Custom interiors had a vinyl covered cloth headliner with a pattern made up of very small circles. To date I have not been able to find the correct 61 custom headliner material that I could afford. Last quote I got (many years ago) was $179 a yard & was told it took 5.5 yards to do the headliner. The 62 material is available lots of places & is the same as the 61 except the circle pattern is stars.

[wv65gto]

Thanks Keith
Before I got the car, someone had redone the interior with "generic" materials so I am basically starting from square one. Being a late May build two door with 4 bbl. 3 speed and sold from the Pontiac owned dealership in Pontiac, I believe the car is valuable enough to try to put back as original as possible. I am sure I will have other questions along the way. Thanks again. Donnie

[mechanickeith]

Do you have pictures of the ebay interiors?? I have yet to see any "Custom" 61 interiors in aftermarket reproduction. I need a couple of sets myself.

[wv65gto]

The pictures I was looking at were listed under vendor autolit.com. They appeared to be original promotional pictures.
Donnie

[mechanickeith]

Oh, Ok. I thought you found a vendor that was reproducing them.