Help with reupholstering seats (in leather)!

sirchAU · 15-11-2011, 07:16 PM

G'day all.

Have been thinking of upgrading the stock fabric trim in my series 1 Falcon S to leather, as my front seats are looking pretty crappy atm and i hate throwover covers. Would like to get the front and back seats re-done in black leather, with perforated black centres, and navy blue double stitching. Ideally would also like to change the door inserts and armrests to match too (but this isn't so much of a priority), although my budget is tight. With my bday and xmas coming up, have been dropping a few hints to the missus, hoping she pulls thru! ;)

Anyway, been looking around the internet for some reasonably priced leather covers (factory fit style ones, not throwovers) and came across these guys based in Brisbane on ebay: Proseat Auto Interior Centre, Brisbane
Compared to other prices, theirs are very cheap ($320 for a front pair, or $495 for front and rear, +$35 shipping to Melbourne)
Eg.

Just wondering if anyone here has any experience with these guys and their products? All experience feedback, good and bad, would be greatly appreciated. I ask because they have an unusually low positive feedback rating for ebay (86% or thereabouts). They are made from 'reborn leather'. Anyone have any experience with this type of leather? From the photos the seats look great, with a very genuine factory look about them, and they come with DIY install instructions. They also have a fitter based in Melbourne who can install them if I feel I'm not up to the task.

Anyhow, would love to hear some stories from other AU owners or just anybody who has gone down this path of reupholstering their interiors/seats in leather, and not just from the ebay seller above. How easy are they to fit? Do they look as good as the photos? Do they feel good? etc etc...

Many thanks in advance,
Chris

**Uncle_Ken** · 15-11-2011, 09:19 PM

I gave this some thought and decided no. I have a stock AUII.
So I have been looking out for leather for a while. But for me, if you can 'get' leather (2nd hand seats, ebay wreckers etc) and they are in good nic, you I would still need to get leather door trims, power windows for the rear doors (that would include switches and wiring loom) as well. In the end I thought my car is only worth XX, so I got neoprene seat covers instead and swapped drivers foam for one in better nick. This way I can sell the covers if /when I move on and get some money back.
I got my covers from here;
http://www.thewetseat.com/pages/price-guide.html
and on my build thread
http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthr...1238536&page=6

Proseat have been around for a while but I have no idea on service or quality of product.
Just my thoughts

UK

sirchAU · 15-11-2011, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle_Ken

I gave this some thought and decided no. I have a stock AUII.
So I have been looking out for leather for a while. But for me, if you can 'get' leather (2nd hand seats, ebay wreckers etc) and they are in good nic, you I would still need to get leather door trims, power windows for the rear doors (that would include switches and wiring loom) as well. In the end I thought my car is only worth XX, so I got neoprene seat covers instead and swapped drivers foam for one in better nick. This way I can sell the covers if /when I move on and get some money back.
I got my covers from here;
http://www.thewetseat.com/pages/price-guide.html
and on my build thread
http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthr...1238536&page=6

Proseat have been around for a while but I have no idea on service or quality of product.
Just my thoughts

UK

Thanks U_K. Those neoprene covers do look pretty good, I guess i'll look into them. BUT....

I really have my heart set on some leather seats! Have always wanted factory-look leather but never been able to afford. I do plan on keeping this car for as long as i possibly can, so resale value/getting my money back etc, is not really entering my line of thinking. This car is mine until she dies or some idiot writes her off...

As far as rear power windows, not really interested as I NEVER sit in the back. Was initially considering just doing the front seats (looking for some 2nd hand Fairmont or XR leather seats from wreckers/ebay) and leaving the back stock, such is the disregard i have for the back seat, but decided that wouldn't quite look right, so now want to do both front and back. And when the missus does finally push some kids out, I don't want them to be constantly playing with them, breaking them etc. I've seen my nephews go to town on Dad's power windows. Why do kids find them so entertaining!? And I like that you can open and close the back ones without the keys.

Door trims/armrests will also get done eventually. And in getting just plain black seats with blue stitching, it will (kinda) match the current blue-ish 'S' fabric trims and 'warm charcoal' (black) interior. I could live with that, for now. Because I don't have a huge amount of money to throw straight into the car, the trims and stuff can wait.

Cheers

raised by monkeys · 15-11-2011, 09:52 PM

theres fairlane interior on ebay for $750 from memory

Cúl-Báire · 15-11-2011, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirchAU

G'day all.

Have been thinking of upgrading the stock fabric trim in my series 1 Falcon S to leather, as my front seats are looking pretty crappy atm and i hate throwover covers. Would like to get the front and back seats re-done in black leather, with perforated black centres, and navy blue double stitching. Ideally would also like to change the door inserts and armrests to match too (but this isn't so much of a priority), although my budget is tight. With my bday and xmas coming up, have been dropping a few hints to the missus, hoping she pulls thru! ;)

Anyway, been looking around the internet for some reasonably priced leather covers (factory fit style ones, not throwovers) and came across these guys based in Brisbane on ebay: Proseat Auto Interior Centre, Brisbane
Compared to other prices, theirs are very cheap ($320 for a front pair, or $495 for front and rear, +$35 shipping to Melbourne)
Eg.
image

Just wondering if anyone here has any experience with these guys and their products? All experience feedback, good and bad, would be greatly appreciated. I ask because they have an unusually low positive feedback rating for ebay (86% or thereabouts). They are made from 'reborn leather'. Anyone have any experience with this type of leather? From the photos the seats look great, with a very genuine factory look about them, and they come with DIY install instructions. They also have a fitter based in Melbourne who can install them if I feel I'm not up to the task.

Anyhow, would love to hear some stories from other AU owners or just anybody who has gone down this path of reupholstering their interiors/seats in leather, and not just from the ebay seller above. How easy are they to fit? Do they look as good as the photos? Do they feel good? etc etc...

Many thanks in advance,
Chris

Had a mate buy some for her Commodore ute; while the leather and stitching was of quite good quality the service she recieved from Proseat was well shithouse! She waited weeks for responses; stuff was missing or the incorrect colour and had to wait weeks again for the right stuff (console lid from memory).

She also commented that they were near impossible to get on due to being a really tight fit (they need to be to look good). If you do buy from them I recommend getting their fitter to fit them; it might cost you a few hundred bucks but well worth spending just to keep you sain.

Leah did comment that she'd buy them again though; but would go the professional fitted option second time around.

Hope that helps!

sirchAU · 16-11-2011, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cúl-Báire

Had a mate buy some for her Commodore ute; while the leather and stitching was of quite good quality the service she recieved from Proseat was well shithouse! She waited weeks for responses; stuff was missing or the incorrect colour and had to wait weeks again for the right stuff (console lid from memory).

She also commented that they were near impossible to get on due to being a really tight fit (they need to be to look good). If you do buy from them I recommend getting their fitter to fit them; it might cost you a few hundred bucks but well worth spending just to keep you sain.

Leah did comment that she'd buy them again though; but would go the professional fitted option second time around.

Hope that helps!

Thanks for that info mate, duly noted!

**SSD-85** · 16-11-2011, 09:03 AM

The cheapest option by far would be to pull some leathers out of a wreck. Your rear door trim centres would be the only part needing to be done. Unless you do decide to do a power window mod (dont worry about them being played with, they come with a driver side locking switch to prevent that).

Reaper8 · 16-11-2011, 10:59 AM

would be a good and cheaper way to get TE50 interior into my XR8, black and red leather MMMMMMMMMMMMMM

AU Mont · 16-11-2011, 01:54 PM

poor form !!

theres a bloke thats been waiting 4 months since making payment, and is finding it difficult to make contact with this mob

sirchAU · 16-11-2011, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AU Mont

poor form !!

theres a bloke thats been waiting 4 months since making payment, and is finding it difficult to make contact with this mob

Cheers for that AU Mont. I've already noticed their customer service isnt the greatest. Been 6 days since i enquired about getting some made up and still no response... i guess ebay feedback ratings dont lie. Might have to give these guys a miss and look elsewhere. Pity because their products do look great.

**Uncle_Ken** · 16-11-2011, 05:27 PM

IF you are happy with the door trim then thats sorts it for you. Wreakers is probably goign to be cheaper but waiting is a pain for the right set at the right price. Have you had a look on other forums (just as a guest of course)? There is bound to be a post by someone in your state getting leather for their car (holden or Jap cars). If AU Mont says stay away I would go with his experinece. Good luck, I thought about thos for 2 years before I did mine, always looking for a good leather deal.

Uk

sirchAU · 16-11-2011, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle_Ken

IF you are happy with the door trim then thats sorts it for you. Wreakers is probably goign to be cheaper but waiting is a pain for the right set at the right price. Have you had a look on other forums (just as a guest of course)? There is bound to be a post by someone in your state getting leather for their car (holden or Jap cars). If AU Mont says stay away I would go with his experinece. Good luck, I thought about thos for 2 years before I did mine, always looking for a good leather deal.

Uk

Yeah I've had a little squiz at a couple of different forums, and all over tradingpost, ebay, gumtree etc, and called my local wreckers... found nothing that I'm after. Seems the most common 2nd hand leather seat sets around are Fairmont/Fairlane/Ghia in grey, and not all that much cheaper either to be honest. I really want sportier looking black with blue stitching and perforated centres, a lot harder to find without getting some custom made. And I'm a bit impatient... when i put my mind to something, i want it NOW, or ASAP lol.

Did find these guys (leatherseats11) on ebay based in Sydney:FORD-FALCON-AU-SEDAN-Real-Leather-Seat-cover-Back $349

AU-S3-XR6-TRICKFORD-UTE-Real-Leather-Seat-cover-Front $299

They cost a little bit more, but their feedback rating is much better (98.9%) than proseats. Emailed him asking if those s3 front seat covers would fit on an s1 and he got back to me straight away saying yes. The ones I'm after are pertty much exactly the same as the ones in the pics...

Anyone got an experience with these guys?

Thanks to everyone who's replied so far, you've all been real helpful. Cheers lads!

sirchAU · 16-11-2011, 07:38 PM

Just put a bid on for the front pair... The wheels of leather goodness are in motion!

AU Mont · 16-11-2011, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirchAU

Just put a bid on for the front pair... The wheels of leather goodness are in motion!

id almost bet my left testicle those are the same as all the other eBay "leatherette" covers.......

i bought a pair of Madison leatherette boxing gloves and they lasted all but 7 days before they literally fell apart, then bought a generic pair of genuine leather, and they still 100% after 2 years

big difference

sirchAU · 16-11-2011, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AU Mont

id almost bet my left testicle those are the same as all the other eBay "leatherette" covers.......

i bought a pair of Madison leatherette boxing gloves and they lasted all but 7 days before they literally fell apart, then bought a generic pair of genuine leather, and they still 100% after 2 years

big difference

Is that the same as that "Reborn Leather" that proseats have?

I'm guessing/hoping these are the real deal, ad specifically says genuine leather and the company is called "Leather Revolution" so you'd hope it's the real deal. Too late now, can't take my bid back. Will just have to wait and see.

Even if they are 'leatherette', i won't be punching too much stuff with my seats, so guessing they'll last at least more than 7 days

borry · 16-11-2011, 07:54 PM

they look like they would look awesome! hrmmm.... time to consult the financial advisor methinks

sirchAU · 16-11-2011, 07:56 PM

Or just live on baked beans and toast for a few weeks ;)

sirchAU · 17-11-2011, 01:56 AM

The thing that lead me to do leather seat mod:

My tired looking driver seat.

The rest of the seats are spotless, but the driver seat has seen better days.

UK, i was considering doing what you did with your drivers seat and changing the foam, although i think mine is in better condition than yours was (though won't really know unless i take the cover off). It does still feel quite supportive and bouncy. Not quite as 'full' as the passenger seat, but still good. Just looks #$%!

**Uncle_Ken** · 17-11-2011, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirchAU

The thing that lead me to do leather seat mod:

My tired looking driver seat.
image

The rest of the seats are spotless, but the driver seat has seen better days.

UK, i was considering doing what you did with your drivers seat and changing the foam, although i think mine is in better condition than yours was (though won't really know unless i take the cover off). It does still feel quite supportive and bouncy. Not quite as 'full' as the passenger seat, but still good. Just looks #$%!

The quick and easy thing to do is just do a strighht swap for the passanger side base. I did this how to when I swaped the foam from a wreaked AU

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthr...10#post3600910

If you are cover the old cloth the straight swap is easy. Even changing the top foam is better becasue the side you get inh and out of are different, and by default the passanger side has wear and tear.

UK

Reaper8 · 04-12-2011, 10:12 AM

have you got your covers yet, just wondering as am looking at doing the same

sirchAU · 04-12-2011, 03:59 PM

Nah haven't got them yet, seller said he would be posting them out early next week. Will take some photos and comment on the quality etc when they come, but won't be getting them fitted until after xmas. Want to try and find somewhere that can professionally fit them for cheaper than the $400-mark that ive been getting quoted.

Mr Hardware · 05-12-2011, 10:44 AM

the leather cover won't fix the fact that you need new foam

sirchAU · 06-12-2011, 02:41 PM

Covers arrived today! They look and feel great, and smell like leather, so as far as my untrained eye can tell, they're real leather. Will post up a couple of pics when i get the chance, after work tonight or tomorrow.

Unfortunately won't be able to get them fitted until after xmas, and/or until i can find a decent quote.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Hardware

the leather cover won't fix the fact that you need new foam

The foam's on the passenger seat are A1, drivers seat not too bad, so was thinking of doing what UK said and swapping driver and and passenger foams over. If the fitter who puts them on decides the foam under the driver seat is too shot, we can always get some donor's out of a wreck. Very minor issue.

baxtc1 · 05-12-2011, 09:07 PM

Tried the Proseat for my BA ute, they say 2.5-3 weeks for production, 3 months, I got a refund. I won't recommend them.

sirchAU · 06-12-2011, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baxtc1

Tried the Proseat for my BA ute, they say 2.5-3 weeks for production, 3 months, I got a refund. I won't recommend them.

They are hopeless... I never even got a response at all from them. It's like they don't want to make $$$....

sirchAU · 06-12-2011, 04:59 PM

Just got a quote for $200 for installation from V.I.P Seat Covers in Oakleigh... Might just get these in before the new year after all.

SLO247 · 06-12-2011, 05:08 PM

Lots of pics would be great, of the covers now and the finished product.

Can you tell a difference in material between the seat faces and the front seat backs for example?

AlfaRomeoGTV6 · 06-12-2011, 11:29 PM

Mate I'm really hanging out to see them fitted !!!

Cheers

sirchAU · 09-12-2011, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLO247

Lots of pics would be great, of the covers now and the finished product.

Can you tell a difference in material between the seat faces and the front seat backs for example?

A couple of pics of them taken with my phone. Sorry about the poor quality but i tried to get close shots to give u an idea of the fabric's texture etc. There isn't really any difference between the non-perforated part of the front face, and the back of the covers. The back is perhaps a bit smoother than the front. I'm not 100% sure if they are genuine leather or not, but they look, feel and smell genuine. They smell really leathery and have filled the room they are stored in at the moment with a distinctive leather smell.

They look quite creased and wrinkled at the moment as they arrived folded in packaging, but once stretched over the seats and heated with a bit of steam the creases will disappear.

Magna · 22-02-2012, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirchAU

A couple of pics of them taken with my phone. Sorry about the poor quality but i tried to get close shots to give u an idea of the fabric's texture etc.

hey mate can u get a pic of the underside of the covers, do they have plastic edging to them? i did my seats on my EF a few years ago here is a pic of mine getting installed. if they have the plastic edging i might be able to give u a hand installing if they arnt already fitted.