Just about every color and...
Just about every color and texture that Chevy used since the late '40s is probably in these bins, and these guys know just how to cut it. Much of the work begins right here.
Out in the Phoenix, Arizona, suburb of Tempe, where the air is dry and the Chevys are hot, Ciadella's Classic Chevy Interiors is in business to ensure that all of us Bow-Tie freaks can have the exact style of upholstery we need for whatever look we want in our car or pickup. Walking around this shop, one of the first things we noticed is that everybody involved in production seems to know exactly what any given year upholstery is supposed to look like, what the correct colors are, and how to make it look just as the factory did 40 or 50 years ago. These experts can even spot a roll of material that is not in the correct storage bin, well labeled as the bins are. There just is no room for error when filling a customer's needs.
We were at the shop for a couple of days renovating the SUPER CHEVY dualie, and it is obvious that Ciadella's people not only know how to make the components for the interior, but they're accomplished installers, as well. Not that there is much installation work done, but it's nice for the customer to know when he or she is installing door panels or seat covers, that it was made by someone who has actually done the whole job. Maybe that's why things fit as well as they do.
As important as quality reproduction work is, many people want to personalize their Chevys. Ciadella's has a large number of custom designs that they can put together for many styles and years of cars and trucks, or customers can create their own look and have the shop make it. We were surprised to find that many orders are mix and match, such as an Impala with SS upholstery, or '62 fabric for a '61 car, just because the customer likes that look more than stock. If you can think of it, Ciadella's can probably do it.
 This pattern gets covered...  This pattern gets covered with material, then it goes through this cutting machine, and when it comes out the other end, all the pieces have been cut automatically. |  Just a sampling of the various...  Just a sampling of the various patterns stored in the shop. |  The door covering material...  The door covering material is laid on the panel, face down, then the appropriate backing material is set on it, followed by the actual door board. |
 The panels are then sent through...  The panels are then sent through a device that uses radio waves to bond all the pieces. Once it comes out, it is ready for final trimming. Here they are working on a '60 Impala two-door panel. |  The final step is to bond...  The final step is to bond the top metal strip to the panel. |  A '56 Bel Air headliner is...  A '56 Bel Air headliner is about to appear. Simple when you've got the right tools, material, templates, and skill. |
 Patterns for everything. ...  Patterns for everything. Here's the first step for carpet: cutting the pad. This requires the very tricky overhand technique (kids, don't try this at home). |  A custom door panel, probably...  A custom door panel, probably for a pickup. These panels use a one-piece ABS construction with fabric bonded to it and are stronger than stock and, in many cases, easier to install. |  What we might call edging,...  What we might call edging, the pros call windlace. Lots of it is used, and these are the people who hand-sew it. No robot machines here. |
 Custom headliners made-to-order...  Custom headliners made-to-order with flame pattern. Put these together with matching door panels, seats, and carpets, and your Chevy will be on its way to the show. |  Everything is securely wrapped...  Everything is securely wrapped and packaged, so all of this hard work doesn't get wasted before the customer receives the order. Next stop, inside a Super Chevy! | |