Showing posts with label American Vintage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label American Vintage. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Classic 1960 Pontiac Catalina Restoration

So this is my car...my beautiful sky blue 2 door 1960 Pontiac Catalina. Isn't she a beaut?


I have had this dream machine for a couple of years and purchased it as is which is original with a newer but very tired interior. While I know a lot of car collectors and customisers I am more of a traditionalist and get very excited about original features and design elements.


I had been planning to restore the interior of my car and had accumulated quite a bit of information including this incredible promotional video.

The current upholstery can be seen in these images below on the front bench seat. I will also change the elements of the dashboard paint. The speaker system was tucked into the glove compartment and four speakers were sitting underneath the front seats - let's just say the heavy bass was quite the experience.

All of the springs and padding had completely eroded or broken which made you feel like you were sitting on the floor while driving.

I soon found that SMS Fabrics could supply my original door trims and replace almost the entire interior. They are great to deal with and if you have any trouble finding what you are after just send them an email they offer sample swatches and were very helpful. My car already had new navy carpets, roof, and boot linings, so I chose to keep those. SMS was a great company to deal with and I purchased a stunning woven fabric, two different shades of blue vinyl, three embossed panels for the seats, door handle pads, and the parcel shelf. Every item was made to order and delivery was staggered but well worth the wait.
Two tone heat embossed door panels 
All seals and finishes are being replaced and the mechanisms serviced.

I am so happy with the team that is working on this stay tuned as there will be a follow-up blog and video soon, so if you haven't already please subscribe to my youtube channel here.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Melbourne Vintage Curated.

I have been shopping Vintage stores in Melbourne for over 25 years and some are a standout!

Looking for 80's and 90's retro?
A great mix of old school and cool to be found at American Vintage.
I am talking Kylie Minogue early neighbours and Molly from a Country Practice, Molly Ringwold and Shannen Doherty of 90210 fame.

Cute Kylie in cut offs riding nice and high.

Kylie - rockin' it in the oversize jacket and batwing sleeve leather jacket!

Molly - there are no words that can describe her look but I will say fuchsia was a definitive shade of pink at the time. 
                   Molly Ringwald 'Pretty in Pink' the 80's film is a fashion experience - a great blog has her entire wardrobe from the film here

Bad girl Shannen in here signature highwaist pants, lace bodysuit and choker. 

Cool Western boots and looks with attitude? 60's and 80's specifically.
Iconic footwear and looks at Vintage Soul.

This vintage steadfast specialises in Tex Mex think Uma Thurman in Even Cowgirls get the Blues.
A huge collection of Western style boots, from amazing snakeskin originals to some 80's hightop retro sneakers.

The very lovely Uma Thurman looking perfect here.

Wonderful lifestyle vintage?
60's, 70's, 80's and 90's.
A whole lot of goodness at Hunter Gatherer.

These ladies shop there for sure!

 I may have found some perfect 99 styles from my fave store Hunter Gatherer.

Everything from tea cups to canisters, a cross pollinated selection of brilliant vintage a something for everyone shop. This is possibly the best handpicked vintage stock you will find in Melbourne. I never leave here empty handed - ever!

Dapper Dan's, Ladies and Gentile Men?
1940's and refinement.
Suits and selected elegance at Circa Vintage.


A wonderful treasure trove of apparel awaits - you can thank me later and remember it doesn't have to look like a costume...How to get it right!