To reupholster or paint? Rear interior panels in Vista Cruiser

So when I bought my 72 Vista Cruiser, most of the car looked really good. The guy had it for 10 years (he had receipts dating back that far) and his father had the car before that (again, dated receipts), so I'm pretty sure I'm the 3rd owner and I took this guy's word regarding everything about the car. He made several modifications to the interior, some of which are a bit tacky.

The Cadillac power seats, I can live with because they sure are comfy.

But one thing the guy did to the rear panels truly puzzles me. He took tan vinyl tape and taped up the rear panels. I asked him why he did this and he said he thought it was a good idea at the time and a cheaper alternative to upholstering them, but over time, the tape faded and man... it looks like crap. He did mention that under the tape, it's nothing but bare metal and I should paint it when I got the chance.

So my question is this: To any Vista Cruiser owners out there... should I just take these panels out, strip and sand them and from there, paint them or maybe get them upholstered? I'm kind of leaning towards the paint because it's cheaper, but I do know a guy who has upholster experience and is willing to help. I'm just not sure what might have existed originally, and I'd like to know...... As you might imagine, one doesn't see too many other Vista Cruisers where one lives, in order to compare.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

Not having any idea what the panels look like or whether they were originally uphostered, here's my story.
On my 1955 Chevy wagon I first used spray glue to apply 1/4" carpet foam. If you are lucky you may find this as scrap at a carpet store or cheap at your Big Box. Then simply cut, measure, and trial fit vinyl over each panel. When it looks right glue it over the foam. On mine the edges were folded over all around and glued which leaves a smooth edge.
Do this in warm weather and use a hair dryer to aid in smoothing the wrinkles out.
It's cheap and easy to do. Or simply paint the panels to match your interior.
An alternative to regular paint is that "wrinkle" paint in spray bombs for a texture.

 

If you are talking about the spare tire cover it should be covered in vinyl. You can look at pics of other vista cruisers and get an idea of how it's upholstered. Also check with some Chevelle vendors they may sell a kit for that part of the car, it should be the same as a Chevelle.I bought a kit for my 67 from Hinshaw Chevelle. I'll just have to spray it with Sem vinyl die for the right color. Hope this helps Tony

 

You mention Cadillac seats in your Vista, Did you buy that car off ebay a year or so ago? I remember seeing a car w/96 Cadillac seats in it that I really liked. Also I am pretty sure that you can get rear upholstery kits from a Chevelle place. It seems that I checked into it and he said I could order kits for 68-72 Vista Cruiser in any factory color so no dying needed. It was sort of pricey so I didn't do it but If you need more info I can get it for you. PM me if you want it. Greg

 

OWM

I am sure most 68-72 A-body wagons had a vinyl covering on the rear panels. I think sky roof wagon panels are different than flat roof, but not 100% certain, so the vinyl coverings might differ as well. All 3 panel coverings are usually made up of 2 pieces of vinyl sewn together and then spray glue attached to the sheet metal panels. Edges of the vinyl are folded around back and spray glued down. If someone will help you with making the coverings, I would go for that.

In the far past I thought I had seen panels without coverings that had a leather pattern stamped into the steel on them, like the metal floor panels, but now am not sure, as I have not seen any since I got my wagon. Paint on the smooth surface (without vinyl) would require much cleanup and prep to not look hokey, and it would be very easily damaged when loading anything into the back area. The stamped leather pattern in the steel would help hide this. The vinyl covering is much more forgiving to such marring..

Good luck
Tom

 

Earlier this week, I borrowed a friend's heat gun and peeled the vinyl tape from the panel to discover factory vinyl upholstery under there. So I guess that answers my question. Lol. I will definitely be upholstering the entire thing once I find a color of vinyl from the fabric store that isn't too far off. It doesn't look like too bad of a job to do. Finding the correct color might be the hardest part.

I don't think the guy from whom I bought this car ever put it up on ebay. He did put it up on New Orleans' Craiglist, and that's how I found it. There's quite a story behind that. Almost, as if I was destined to drive THIS Vista! At first, I thought the Caddy seats were tacky, but I have since concluded that comfort takes priority over originality. And besides, I do have the bench seat that and keep it in my barn and after sitting on it drinking a few brews over the past year, I've realized that it isn't very comfortable. Lol.