Crafting the Cabin

Over the years, my son Avery and I have poured countless hours—and an incredible amount of love—into our 1930 Pontiac. It’s been a journey of bringing history back to light, carefully restoring the running boards to giving the fenders a fresh coat of paint. This summer, though, we decided to step into the cabin and tackle a project that called for a different kind of craftsmanship: upholstery. While the car’s interior remains largely original, 96 years of history had left its mark on the door pads. To complement the rest of the cabin’s immaculate condition, we set out to fabricate a brand-new set of door cards from scratch.

The journey began with a deep dive into historical accuracy. Back in the 1920's and 30's, automotive interiors were often lined with genuine mohair, a durable, plush fabric woven from Angora goat hair. Determined to keep things period-correct, I scoured vintage upholstery suppliers, requesting samples until we found the perfect match to mirror our Pontiac's original charm.

Once the materials were in hand, it was time to deploy Avery. Avery is a gifted seamster who has spent years perfecting intricate stitchwork on elaborate, cosplay-caliber costumes. His honed craft made him perfect for the task.

Installing the finished panels took us straight back to the carriage-building era. Because early vehicles like our Pontiac rely on solid wooden door framing, there were no modern plastic clips or hidden fasteners. Instead, we secured the new panels directly to the door using a hammer with traditional upholstery tacks.

Looking at the finished cabin now, the new door cards add just the right touch of warmth and quiet elegance to the interior. But more than that, every stitch and tack is a reminder of the quiet hours spent working side by side, bridging nearly a century of automotive history with memories that will last just as long.