Expert: Anderson's Restorations-Rob Anderson - 3/30/2011

Question
QUESTION: I have a wicker doll buggy that belonged to my aunt. It is probably around the 1900s. If I am remembering correctly, it was originally navy blue, with a navy blue leather hood. My parents painted it grey, and removed the leather to make a grey corduroy hood. The wheels were bad, so they used some other kind of wheels to replace it (maybe toy wagon wheels). Very sad! I want to restore it to as close to the original as possible. Would want to find out where to purchase replacement wheels, have the hood remade in leather or vinyl. The frame, handle and the bed of the buggy seem to be fine. I have been trying to find someone in my area (Kansas City MO/Overland Park KS, but can't seem to find anyone who can restore this. Can you give me ideas on what to do next?

ANSWER: I can't answer about the color but the wheels look like they are correct. You are missing the rubber on some of them.Their is no replacement for that. You will need to look on ebay or at markets to try and find some with the rubber intact. You also can use a rubber tubing like gas line, and glue it in place. I have done this several times and it does not look to bad if you take your time and get the correct size that will fit in the rim.
The hood is another matter. If your 100% sure it wasn't wicker and replaced with cloth because it was damaged, then you might check with an auto or boat upholstery shop about sewing a new one. They would have the knowledge and equipment to work with that material.
 Good Luck,
  Rob

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your information. What I'm looking for is someone who can fix this for me - e.g., the wheels as well as the hood. It is good to know that the wheels look correct. I would rather pay to have it done than do it myself. Would this be something that a restoration place might do? Would love to have you do it, but since you're in North Carolina, shipping might be out of reach. Do you know of anyone in the Kansas City area?

I'm also wondering if someone who sews draperies and upholsters furniture might be a good choice for the hood? I am not 100% sure it wasn't originally wicker, but I seem to remember navy blue leather.

Answer
Good idea on the hood. It may have been an "oil cloth" on the top. My catalogs are all older with the wicker hoods but I do know that later on, they started using the cloth for a more waterproof top.
 I don't know of anyone in your area who would do this work, you would just need to ask at antique shops or malls and see if they know someone. If you can't find anyone to do the wheels, consider taking them off and sending to me. I would be glad to fix them for you. My zip is 27055 if you want to look into shipping costs.
 Rob