re-trimming my cabrio

Hi folks,  time to think about getting my car sorted to let it out for the summer.  Just trying to work out what to do with the tear in the driver's seat.  I don't seem to be able to get a matching fabric so would it be really criminal to get the seats covered in leather?  If this is not a hanging offence, can anyone recommend a company close to South West Wales where I can get this done?  Also, what should I expect to pay for this?  Thanks for any help I get.  Shirley

Give Volksmagic a ring, they will be able to advise and help you. You should be able to get the number off the web.

0121 541 2278 / 07860 632086 - e: volksmagic@hotmail.com

shirlthegirl said

would it be really criminal to get the seats covered in leather?

im thinking of leather aswell  

Cheers for that, might just contact them next week.  Glad I am not the only one considering leather.  Was wondering about if the roof leaks and stuff like that but remembered that most cows appear to be quite waterproof!  Has anyone already changed to leather so I can get an idea of cost before I drop with shock on the phone?

shirlthegirl said

Cheers for that, might just contact them next week.  Glad I am not the only one considering leather.  Was wondering about if the roof leaks and stuff like that but remembered that most cows appear to be quite waterproof!  Has anyone already changed to leather so I can get an idea of cost before I drop with shock on the phone?

Oddly enough I have just got a quote from the company who did my new Mohair Roof end of last year, a specialist based in Bradford (A.S. Pickerings), for re-trimming my 1988 GTI Cabriolet in lovely leather and front & rear seats (including any re-padding etc) all door cards, gear gaiter etc. they quote ?1,500 + VAT.

Not cheap but I know from experience of buying a new car and adding Leather to the order it usually add's anything from ?1,000 - ?2,500 on a Golf sized car.

Yikes!!!  Is that with the whole seat (front and back) covered in leather?  I was thinking of just replacing the bits which are currently fabric as the vinyl backs and door cards etc are in very good nick.

shirlthegirl said

Yikes!!!  Is that with the whole seat (front and back) covered in leather?  I was thinking of just replacing the bits which are currently fabric as the vinyl backs and door cards etc are in very good nick.

That ?1500 quote is for a full professional, bespoke re-trim, which is the complete seats, front, backs, rears etc. etc. and full door cards.

It would obviously be cheaper leaving vinyl backs & doorcards etc., which in my car are also in very good order but I'm thinking of switching colours so if I do it I will bite the bullet and have a whole new interior.

My GTI Cab is Helios Blue so if I switch from the factory blue interior I currently have to the lovely Tan leather I'm thinking off I can sell the old fabric etc. on the dreaded eBay as I'm certain there will be many needing to re-trim existing worn bolsters, door cards etc.

Hopefully recoup a little of the cost too.

I see where you are coming from.  My interior is kind of toffee coloured, with the car metallic bronze - so I don't really intend changing it, just matching the current fabric colour with leather so the rest stays original.  It is a shame I can't find fabric to match the seats but I have tried loads of places and just can't even come close.

What about these?

Wow!!  thanks, that is a lot more manageable!  After all, my winter drive is a 3.5litre V8 Rover SD1 Vitesse  and the petrol costs don't leave a lot for keeping Flossie looking tip-top - just as well Golf's are cheap to maintain!!

Shirl,
      I was parked next to you at Gaydon if you recall?

If you require the exact replacement material or very near give DB Car Trim a call in Blackpool. 01253 761252. Dave carried out my seat repairs and matched the cloth as close as he could to the extent that once its become 'worn in' (read dirty) it matches up very well indeed.
I can recall the you too had a brown interior but can't fully recall the trim. If its a beige check (very very small check at that) then I think its called Gazelle, and the backs of the chairs were toffee coloured as described.

DB Car Trim do a courier service with about a 5 day turnaround.

Hope that helps, it may save you some money and keep the car more original.

Dan

Thanks for that Dano.  Don't suppose you could mail me a pic of your trim and I can see if it is the same as mine?  I can't actually get into Flossie at the moment - there isn't enough space in the garage as our volvo p1800s (awaiting serious restoration) takes up all the room and the Golf gets stuck in the spare bit of space!  Too many old cars - time to thin them out methinks!  Anyone want to buy a Rover SD1 (not a Vitesse)?

If you go the Newton Commercial Route as MR_GTI suggested, you can get 10% discount if you get Membership to this club!!!!

Thanks, Planning to do the membership thing soon.

Are there no car trimming companies closer to south west Wales though?  Everywhere seems to be a long way away!

http://www.yell.com/uc…ion=UNITED+KINGDOM&ooa=on

Quite a few in Wales. Not sure if any are close enough??

Shirl,
      Just tried to take a piccy in the dark for you but the flash bleaches out any detail. I don't appear to have any 'stock' photos so I will take a couple tomorrow and post.

Now that I have learnt!!!  :roll:
Dan

Thanks very much - look forward to receiving them.  

No takers on the Rover SD1 I see!

BaltiPie, thanks for that, one of them is nearly on the doorstep - will call round tomorrow and see if they still exist - businesses here can come and go overnight!  Will report back.