Sunday, November 02, 2008 - 08:52 am, by: Sebastian Grant(Saabg)
Just thought I'd post some pics of my attempt at a re-trim and paint. Started about six months ago with the painting of the doors, dash, glove box etc.
This photo was taken yesterday, six months after I dyed it and it's still holding up strong even though this is a daily driver and has seen many a pissed idiot trying to open the door with their feet.
About four months ago I bought a set of leather seat covers off ebay and have finally got around to installing them. These are a full re-trim, not a slip on. I bought these from the supplier of the last failed group buy.
I started dying my carpet yesterday. Pretty easy process really but I do recommend using a mask of some kind.
Sorry for the poor pics, this was an after thought but hopefully if all goes well I should be finished on monday and I'll post some better pics of the completed job.
Sunday, November 02, 2008 - 06:30 pm, by: Brett Harrison(Bretto)
Sebastian, looks good.
I have used a fair few of these products over the years. You'll find the septone brand of vinyl and plastic paint very hard wearing, and good for high traffic areas. The VHT gives a more natural appearance though. I tend to use a mixture of several products, including plastic primers.
Monday, November 03, 2008 - 12:39 am, by: Sebastian Grant(Saabg)
I would say that it would be the same process for both as the manufacturer of the seat covers didn't ask whether or not I had factory leather. Make sure you ask for the jap spec if you order from these guys so you get the adjustable rear headrests. 2021,DIY_13690_3084268,00.html,http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/ab_parts_accessories/article/0,2021,DIY _13690_3084268,00.html Here are some instructions on how to do this if anyone's interested. It does take a lot of time. Set aside at least a weekend to do the re-trim. Also for this you will need some cable ties, in some places as the hog rings will not reach. It will all make sense once you start.
Friday, November 07, 2008 - 04:23 pm, by: Sebastian Grant(Saabg)
Here's some photos. Can't get a decent shot but you get the idea. Still need to do a few things, rear headrests, back of seats and paint a few other bits and pieces but I can live with that for a while. I recommend these to anyone as a cheap alternative to a full re-trim but it is a huge job and with the time I spent on it I probably could have worked and earned enough for a full re-trim but anyway theres nothing like the satisfaction of doing it yourself. If anyone orders these and need some advice pm me or reply to this thread. Cheers.
Sunday, November 16, 2008 - 10:25 pm, by: Sebastian Grant(Saabg)
Thanks Adam. It took me about twenty hours to do the seats but that includes painting the bases. It can be done a lot quicker than that though as I had trouble pulling the seats apart but found out how to do that from another thread on here. I think in black these will look good. I wish I had of got them but this will do for now. If you do get these it's all pretty straight forward but one thing I recommend doing is putting plastic bags on the headrests to make them easier to slide on. It's very tight and the leather grabs the foam on the headrest. You can also try putting some laecol on them to soften them up a bit before installing. Cheers.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008 - 09:24 pm, by: Adam Peterson(President)
Cheers for that!
I want my interior changed from spruce to black but with the seats (front and rear) and the arm rests in tan. Almost the same as you have done. Where is that link you're referring to regarding pulling the seats apart ?
Wednesday, November 19, 2008 - 06:14 pm, by: Sebastian Grant(Saabg)
Sorry I can't find the link but it's all pretty straight forward. A few things you may need to know are to remove the buttons (if your seats are electric) all you have to do is pop them off. Also there is a C clip holding the lever that pops the back rest forward. You have to push a small flat head screw driver in the hole and pop it out. Just remove as much of the plastic trim as you can then bend it back so you can see the clip then it'll be pretty straight forward. Also the base of the front seats are held in by four bolts. The fronts are pretty easy to get too but the rears will only be exposed if the seats are in the right position. I think you have to have the seat base completely horizontal to get to it from memory. I didn't know about this and it took me an hour too work out where the bolt was. If you are going to do the tan please not that they won't really colour match. If I had my time again I would get the covers first and send a tiny sample to these guys http://www.birdsall-leather.com.au/ They sell leather dying kits, and for $50 extra they colour match. I have bought this in black wanting to dye my seats but in the end I decided that after about forty hours spent on my interior I couldn't go on anymore. Anyway this product was recommended by Joe Alliano. He did his whole interior with it and it looks a whole lot better than vht vinyl dye and they will post also. Check out the link of Joe's interior. http://soarercentral.com/sc-forum/messages/284/39073.html I bought his kit and tested it on a few things and it looks a whole lot better than vht but it takes a whole lot longer but it looks like it will last a lot longer. Also in the kit you get laecol which is a leather conditioner that you apply to keep your leather/vinyl soft and free from cracks. Sorry for rambling, I hope I answered your questions and if remember any more snags I'll post them on here. Cheers.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009 - 09:14 pm, by: Sebastian Grant(Saabg)
I'm not too sure, I asked them to match the vht paint I had and they assured me that it would be close but was way off but they ended up giving me $100 back. Wish I had of bought the black ones. Make sure they send you the hog rings and order the pliers now too as they may take a while to land.
Adam Peterson Goo Roo Western Australia Supercharged & Intercooled V8
Thursday, July 09, 2009 - 03:37 pm, by: Rob Rojo(Rob_tt)
I ordered my covers last week from the same supplier , should have them in the next few days.
I don't understand why anyone would go for the cheap Pleather covers over these real leather ones. Having seen yours Sabastian there is no comparison they are far better quality and worked out cheaper than the pleather ones.
Adam Peterson Goo Roo Western Australia Supercharged & Intercooled V8
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