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TR2/3/3A Source for Horsehair Padding?

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CJD

CJD

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I tried to reuse the old padding that goes between the body panels and braces, but it looks like I'll have to find replacement padding. This is the black padding, about 1/4" thick that prevents the bonnet and rear boot lid from rattling against the bracing. It looks like, and I am relatively sure actually is, horse hair felt.

Has anybody found a source for this or similar padding?

 
Thanks, Tush. I know modern foam would work a million times better, and I may wind up using it...but I'd like to duplicate the original if it's possible. I might start letting my poodle's hair start to mat up!?!
 
John let me know if you need any Golden Retriever mats. When I restored my car I was in the same boat you are in now, I never did find anything to put back in after I removed the cross brace. I ended up drilling four holes in the back side of the brace and spot welded it and then ground down any weld that stuck up on the brace, no vibration or rattles. When I removed the brace I was surprised at how much rust was under it.
 
John:

FWIW, I think horsehair felt was replaced in upholstery with polyester felt. You can get Dacron (polyester brand name) felt in 1/4 in thickness. I think horse hair was used as it was resistant to absorbing water. The polyester felt should also have that property.

They also make wool felt if you want to stick with a natural material, but I'll bet that absorbs a lot of water.

Matt
 
Thanks for all the suggestions! It does appear that hogs hair filter material looks the closest so far...who would've thought? I'm amazed that horse hair is no longer available. With all my searches, it turns out that it was the most common upholstery material for a couple hundred years. You would think there would still be a respectable market for it in the furniture resoration busness. I guess we ran out of horses to supply large amounts...and the synthetics are better in the long run.

Anyway, thanks again for the good suggestions!
 
Try Sutherland felt. Appears they may have a solution.
 
One other suggestion. I purchased the felt for my TR3A fuel tank straps. I can see if I still have a sample. I believe I do. These felt strips was very close to the horse hair strips you describe. I am pretty sure I purchased from Moss Motors. I can send you a picture if interested in seeing. Just send me a PM.
 
Final follow-up!

I never could find horse hair...but I think all knew that! I wound up cutting the original strips of hair in half, and thereby had enough to use under the frames, with the center un-padded. Since the center of the frames didn't touch the padding anyway, and the padding still shows at the edges as though it was a full, wide strip, it worked out well.

Since I posted this, I learned that rubberized coconut fiber may be a close second to the horse hair. The rubberizing should prevent it from soaking up moisture to rust the panel, and at a glance it looks much like the horsehair.

Cheers!
 
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