Dreading fitting this leather retrim kit! Starting tonight! Any tips from anyone thats fitted one? how long per seat is estimated?

 

Thanks

Rear seats are pretty straightforward. You should be able to get both bench and seat back done in an evening. Make sure you buy an eyelet tool and plenty of cable ties. I'd also suggest getting some thin foam and cutting 4 squares for the main seat squab to give the base a bit of life.

 

Front seats...well, I am going to start mine over the weekend, so I'll let you know. But again get some thin foam for the main seat base to give it a bit of life. I have a trim shop doing all my panel work and I pick up the last piece tonight!! :dance:

I am hoping to get the front seats done tonight and leaving the back until next week, we will have moved house then and dont want boxes spoiling the covers!! I have allowed a good 12 hours for the front 2. hope this will be enough!

Check the FAQ section there is a post there on how to fit them.

I have got it! It seems relatively straightforward, the instructions I got from the guy who sold them was just about 60 photos!!!!

I have got it! It seems relatively straightforward, the instructions I got from the guy who sold them was just about 60 photos!!!!

 

Can you forward me that if you have them? I'd like as much as possible.

 

Si

Sure! Drop me an email at jonathan.sharp@bssgroup.com and I will send them to you!

Add them to the FAQ post so everyone else who is going to do it in future will have more info.

UPDATE:-

 

Fitted one of the seat covers last night (7 hours). It was a hell of a ball-ache job. I couldn’t get the stitching on the side of the bolsters directly in the middle for love nor money and they now site about ¼ inch around the side. Looks pretty good though, just need to finish off the bottom when I get some “wire coat hangers”. Anyone else fitted these and had any problems getting the stitching 100% in the middle of the bolster?

dont forget, the foam will be old now & will not be as spongey. maybe some extra foam padding on the bolsters could bring it back into line :D

UPDATE:-

 

Fitted one of the seat covers last night (7 hours). It was a hell of a ball-ache job. I couldn’t get the stitching on the side of the bolsters directly in the middle for love nor money and they now site about ¼ inch around the side. Looks pretty good though, just need to finish off the bottom when I get some “wire coat hangers”. Anyone else fitted these and had any problems getting the stitching 100% in the middle of the bolster?

 

Rather than wire coat hanger, cable ties are easier and cheaper ;).

 

It's all about the padding when it comes to getting the stiching lined up.

I wouldn't suggest foaming out the bolsters, I'd concentrate on the seat squab (base). You'll loose the shape of the bolsters by covering them in foam.

I wouldn't suggest foaming out the bolsters, I'd concentrate on the seat squab (base). You'll loose the shape of the bolsters by covering them in foam.

 

Actually got a really good shape and fit on the seat base, the seat back is the main problem.

 

The only thing I am struggling with on the base is how to attach the bottom of the cover to the underside of the seat so it pulls taught.

just finished the drivers side seat. What a ball ache, bolster was fooked too! Back seats left, hopefully easier!

How was the bolster knackered? Had it collapsed or just worn through? Luckily I have 4 spare extra seats that I can butcher. 2 passenger seats and 2 driver's seats. 1 set being a Series 2 that I can use as it means I can now have electric passenger seat. The rest I can just mix and match to get the best bolsters.

the right hand side bolster was split and it just kept pushing forward when I was putting the skin on. fortunately I fixed it!

Show us a pic then :)

I will as soon as I have done the back, then at least it will all match!! Next task, get rid of the Gray Tweed trim!

all finished! 17 hours in total. Looks mint and has transformed the car, now looks new, a nice modern lease of life. Thanks to everyone for your help!

Get some piccies up :D