Torn drivers bolster

Hi all, 

So looking for a decent mk1 cab, you see them for 2k all the way to 7/8k and still some of the latter have worn drivers bolsters which is to be expected with age and mileage, but the question is, what is the resolution in fixing? 

I get you can have the whole interior re done but is it really that drastic and do you really have to lose the authentic look? 

Are there companies out there that source the material etc? 

Cheers in advance 

Side Bolsters Foam can be repaired or replaced, I have a how-to in the Archive section here.  Certain bolster materials can be bought from sites in Europe.  Some materials can be sourced at a good automotive upholstery supplier, as well as a good fabric store that will closely match yours.  I suspect you will need to find a good upholstery shop to sew the new into the old.

Depending on the material, and the age.  I had a Side Bolster replaced with Material I had on hand, it was Vinyl.  The repair is un-noticeable.

Chortle is the better expert than I as I am across the pond so to speak.  I will tell you that Bolster replacements aren't that cheap.  Probably cheaper if you have them made.  

I will also tell you that the original Flat non-bolstered seats in my Rabbit/Golf Diesel held up well from the day I bought it Oct80 to Sep2000 when I sold it.  

Wish I could say the same for my 90's bolstered Cabriolets.

Cheers bud,

I've got someone who can replace it, it's just sourcing it.

Just unsure how hard it is to find and I fully expect it to be one the expensive side 

Thanks again

You can source new complete cushions.
The Cabriolet are a one piece cushion rather than base and separate side bolster like the tin tops.

You can swap the seat bases and cushions over from pass to drivers side.

That means the drivers outer bolster then becomes the passenger inner bolster and viser versa.
You have to undo the material and lift off the metal
Bases which you can’t Swap as the belt retainer would be on the wrong side.

I did a how to guide seat refurb so take a look at that.

There are certain companies that can supply but these are not general public.

Pop a photo up of the interior someone may have the seats knocking about where you can make a good set up.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Cheers for the replies, I'm potentially going to look at it Sunday, if I end up going through with it I'll give you guys a bit more detail of what I'll need and see what route I needn't to take

I’d also check the roof and components too.

The rear window frame rots away
The padding in between the headliner and roof falls apart
Hoods made from vynil pvc shrink go brittle and split.
The headliner is hanging down can be ripped or dirty beyond cleaning.
To replace all that isn’t cheap.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The guy has been superb tbh, sent loads of pics of all areas and been totally upfront with issues as he knows I've got a trek to get there.

I'm also taking my body shop mate with me (known him 20 yrs and always done work on my cars) he also knows shed loads about retro motors as he has rebuilt he evo 3 over the past 15 years so a 1.8 golf engine is child's play to him.

Fingers crossed, if not the search will continue till the right one comes up! 

Most sellers don’t know enough about roofs etc and when they do they pass it off..
Had a lad come over to see me with  his new car.
eBay purchase it was.
I looked the roof over before quoting a price.
I pointed out how everything needed replacing and the cost.
He then said added to what I paid for the car I’ll be well over market value. Never make my money back.
He pointed out to the seller that the roof had holes in it.
Bloke said it’s nothing mate roofs dead cheap and an easy fix. (If true why don’t he get it done),
I’m seeing cars out there with roofs and all the stuff rotten.
Yet sellers want top draw money.
You buy a cab at £4K spend £1,500 upwards sorting the roof proper. Add other bits that invariably need doing
You’re not far off £6,000
Which you’d struggle to get on the open market.
So even if the seller appears honest  that doesn’t mean to say he has the knowledge on roofs.
If he doesn’t know he can’t profess
I always say don’t look at the wheels look at the roof.
Never take a sellers word for anything, check it out personally.





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk