WFFMM-NAAM Conference 2022

To preserve, conserve or accurately restore the cars of the early 20th century, we need to understand the materials used in their construction, especially as many of these materials are different than the materials used in automobile construction today. The focus of this presentation is obsolete materials, or materials commonly believed to be obsolete. In particular we will focus on the differences between modern materials and historical materials. We will start from the exterior of the car and move to the interior and mechanical, discussing examples of sheet metal, exterior paints, wood finishes, upholstery, castings and forgings. We will organize our discussion around the following questions: What materials are obsolete? Why were they discontinued? What replaced them? What were the advantages and disadvantages of these materials? What care and maintenance are needed to preserve these original materials? Why is it important to be able to offer them again today? What is needed to use them today? What materials are thought to be obsolete—but aren’t—and why? We will also have samples of obsolete materials for attendees to see and touch.