W111 Interior and carpet kits

[perry113]

Getting Project W111 barn Find 220seb coupe ready for paint. The car is so nice I'm inclined in redoing the interior and wood.
Inclinded to utilize GH&H for the leather and carpeting.
Any other recommendations out there?

Peter Perry

[wwheeler]

I bought a leather kit from GAHH but have not installed it. From the many samples I received, they are probably the best. Their craftsmanship on the assembly also seems good. They are easy to deal with and know their product.

If you are replacing the original leather, you will be disappointed with what leather is now compared to what is was originally. Unfortunately, that is the way it is with most things these days. Get samples from many vendors and compare. Make your best decision because that stuff isn't cheap.

[perry113]

I'm ready to have a heart attack over the interior costs.
Mostr vendors all seem to be about the same in price.

[Rolland]

I have to agree with wwheeler on GAHH.  I'm redoing my entire interior and just received everything except the carpet as the color I'm getting is on a 4 week back order.  I asked from various vendors to have leather and MB Tex samples sent as I hadn't decided which way to go at the time (have since decided on leather).  It was pretty obvious GAHH was head and shoulders above the other vendors on quality of material.  Next the best part, I figured I'd get the best price if I ordered most of it at the same time so had them work up estimates which they emailed in a day or so.  The prices looked quite a bit better than what their website showed, but when I called to place the order and give them my card info for payment, I was told I was given the wholesale price, not retail since I wasn't an upholstery shop.  I jokingly saiid "maybe I need to start an auto business to go along with my insurance business.  It was about that time the lady said let me check on some things and call you back.  It was about 5 minutes, she called, said they would honor my quote fully with this order, but any orders in the future I would be priced at retail.  I'm really glad I ordered everything I needed including new horsehair for the seats, but really, I can't say enough good things for the way GAHH handled the situation.  It's service we don't see a lot of anymore.  Sorry for being a bit long winded, but it's a story well worth sharing for others.

Rolland

[hauser]

If you are replacing the original leather, you will be disappointed with what leather is now compared to what is was originally. Unfortunately, that is the way it is with most things these days. 

What are the major differences that you have found?

[wwheeler]

I found that the leather grain (texture) is not nearly as deep as the original. The new leather is softer and more pliable than the thicker, more firm feeling original and I am sure not as durable. The new stuff will tend to "bunch up" when compressed and will stretch more easily.

Since the original leather was manufactured using a different (environmentally unfriendly) process, I am sure leather like the original will never be available again. Still, beggars can't be choosers and the GAHH product is good.