I decided to upgrade the interior for the redo in the spirit of what a Panther might have had. With the exception of the front seats, all interior pieces will be upgraded stock Packard. Here's what's been done so far:
Front seats
These seats are dual purpose: bench or bucket w/console. I purchased them new through an aftermarket supplier as they are intended as an upgrade for mid-1990s Chevy Suburban. I had to use truck seats and mounting bracket to get the seat height the same as Packard (14").
The seats can be arranged bench-like...
or with the center back folded down into a console. Notice the seat also reclines!
Front side panels
I reupholstered the front panels primarily using "Malibu Camel" (gold) cloth material. I had to make new panel boards using the rotten originals as a pattern. I rebuilt the arm rests with foam padding and covered it with tan simulated leather material sewed to the cloth. The black carpet strip on the bottom will match the carpet itself. Finally, the stock stainless decorative strips were reattached in a somewhat different location to finish the classy look (click to see the original)
The arm rest was tricky to redo, particularly for a neophyte upholsterer (me). It's a sewed curve between two different materials. I think it turned out well.
Rear side panels
I reupholstered the rear side panels primarily using "Malibu Camel" (gold) cloth material. I had to make new upper panel boards, but the lower ones are metal and cleaned up just fine. I glued foam padding on the arm rest and covered it with tan simulated leather material. The black carpet strip on the bottom will match the carpet itself. Finally, the stock stainless decorative strips were reattached in a slightly different location to conform with the front door panels.
Rear seat
I'm using the rear fold-down arm rest from the 1956 Exec parts car in the Panther back seat. I rebuilt the arm rest (the original foam was rotted) with new foam and burlap.
The rear arm rest cover was also tricky to make. There are many curves and I chose to use two different materials. I think it also turned out well.
Reupholstering the rear seats is in the future.
Headliner
I ordered up a stock replacement headerliner in tan color from Kanter. It's still in the box awaiting final interior installation.
Dash Panel Pad
The original dash panel required quite a bit of caustic chemicals and elbow grease to clean up, but the metal panel was not rusted. I glued new foam to the panel as an underlayment.
To achieve the double compound curve at the ends, I used two pieces sewn to the long center piece. Shown is a trial fit.
Finishing the dash panel is in the future.
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