Upholstery Design

The first and maybe the most important decision in airplane upholstery will be the design of the interior upholstery. Yes, there are the original stitch patterns of the 1st generation bonanzas. However, there isn't very much support or information on the patterns, colors or materials. There are many online pictures available to view. I like www.aso.com  this location has good interior pictures available. Spend some time to look around and gather pictures of what you like. This will help when you get ready to construct your project. Trade-a-plane is another online source if you have a subscription. I will be posting some of the interior pics that I have compiled over time.

Once you spend some time looking at interiors you'll quickly notice that there are not that many interiors that qualify as eye pleasing. Some of these are very "busy". It's very easy when out looking at material samples to find a nice pattern material for the seats and then one for carpet, side panels, headliner etc., but combine them and it could be quite atrocious. A good way to get some ideas on interiors is to go look at your local new car dealers lots. Notice how many of today's interiors are using monochromatic color schemes. The colors are earth tones, with leather or cloth combinations but of the same color. You don't have many contrasting color combinations which is good. Texture changes are the differentiator which are very subtle. 

The time spent on interior design will help you and anyone else involved in the interior project you are about to embark on. Take lots of pictures and create a notebook that you can use to show and select from. 

Types of Materials

You have several choices regarding the type of material that can be used in your airplane. However there are some considerations of how you are going to use your airplane to. What category would you consider your plane, utility, commercial Part 135, personal use, type of environment, etc. etc. Most of the 1st generation Bonanza's would fall under the category of personal use. Why do I mention all this? Well, your FAR certifications are different for some of these categories. FAR 25.853 describes these certifications which are the burn tests. Spend the time to read up on these regulations to help determine your in compliance. Many of the interiors that are currently installed in the older airplanes don't have the proper paper work showing the burn test certification. Maybe a previous owner installed some material but failed to spend the time to have it certified which is quite easy to do. Most of the material available today can be certified. 

The premium materials are the better way to go. Leather of course is very popular. Use a "full grain" leather if your are wanting leather. 100% Wool or a combination wool/nylon blend is excellent too. These are your premium materials to use for seats side panels etc. Carpet of Wool or Nylon is excellent too. However price, you will notice can be a factor to consider when a interior project is in order.