1966 230SL Upholstery

[Harry]

I am on the front end of upholstering my 1966 230SL.  The current configuration is a ivory colored vinyl on the seats and doors.  I assume but do not know that the dash, covering over the top hinges and the vertical pices adjoinging the carpet behind the seats are also vinyl.  (They may not be.)  All but the seats have clearly been "painted" (and poorly) to a similar color but their original color appears to also be a light ivory.  The carpet sure looks original.  It's that coarse carpet typical of Mercedes of this vintage, and has the vinyl panels that you would normally associate with the original pieces.  The carpet is a complimentary ivory/tan color (aybe with brown sparingly woven in) and is actually in fair condition except for the side panels along the doors and footwells.  Especially along the footwells it is really worn and threadbare.
My data card shows an upholstery code of 230.  Based on the Data Card legend in the Tech Manual, that would correspond to "Egg Shell 1112" leather upholstery with a "recommended pairing" of ""Black 6125" carpet. I am somewhat puzzled by the stated pairing because of my feeling that the carpet is original.  What are the thoughts and experiences?  I would really prefer not to go with black carpet.
And I have reviewed many postings on upholstery (from years ago) that make recommendations on sources.  GAHH certainly ranks high (although apparently expensive).  What are the current schools of thought on where to locate material, and even who I might send the dash pieces to for covering (if I choose that route)?  Also - would the Door Panels have also been leather?
Many thanks,
Harry

[Iconic]

I believe a quick way to see if carpet is original (not necessarily original to that car, but original to a Pagoda) is the interface between the carpet and the automatic trans shift gate.
Is your car an automatic? (It would be easier to answer questions if you told us a little about your car. You can put that in your signature so you don't have to type it every time.)
You should be able to search around and see the difference between original and "newer" carpet at that location.
The original one is a rubber type material, not vinyl.
Does this help?

[Harry]

Thanks - I modified the signature to include a little more detail.  If more is warranted, I will gladly add.  I'll check the carpet underlayment.  What about the door panels.  If the interior were leather, would that have included the panels?

[zoegrlh]

Yes, if panels are leather, then dash and seats were also.  You should base your selection on the data card.
Bob