restoration
Interior Restoration: Leather, Wood and Chrome
A classic car's interior defines its character. We show you how we restore aged leather, cracked wood and dull chrome to their original splendour.
7 min read
The interior of a classic car is where the driver connects with motoring history. A well-restored cabin conveys luxury, craftsmanship and attention to detail. At Gredos Garage we master the three key disciplines: leather, wood and chrome.
Leather Restoration
Leather in classic cars commonly shows cracking, discolouration and stiffness. Our process begins with a deep clean using pH-neutral products that remove decades of grime without damaging the fibre. We then apply a conditioner that rehydrates the leather from within.
For surface cracks we use flexible leather filler, sanded and textured to replicate the original grain. Re-colouring is carried out with penetrating dyes that do not create an artificial surface layer. In extreme cases we re-trim using Connolly leather or equivalents of similar quality, cut to the manufacturer's original patterns.
Wood Restoration
Dashboards and wood panels from marques such as Jaguar, Rolls-Royce and Mercedes-Benz are works of fine cabinet-making. When the lacquer is cracked or lifting, we strip back to bare wood with extreme care. We repair burr-walnut or equivalent veneers and apply between six and ten coats of polyester lacquer, flatting between each one.
The final finish is mirror-polished to achieve that characteristic depth found on classic dashboards. Each piece may require up to 40 hours of hand work.
Chrome and Metal Trim
Chrome is the jewellery of the classic car. Our process includes:
- Removal and cataloguing of every piece
- Stripping old chrome via electrolytic bath
- Polishing the base metal (brass, Zamak or steel)
- Triple electroplating: copper, nickel and chrome
- Final polishing and protective sealant
For irreparable pieces we manufacture exact replicas using CNC machining and chrome them following the same process.
The Result: An Interior That Tells Its Story
A correctly restored interior not only recovers its beauty but significantly increases the vehicle's value. At Gredos Garage we always respect the authenticity of the original design, using materials and techniques faithful to the era of manufacture.