Reusing Original MB Tex?

[Alex D]

I am getting ready to redo my seats, tired of the "sitting on floor" feeling. Most likely getting new seat pads, zig zag or no sag spring reinforcement, pool noodles,,

The seat covers are original MB tex and in good condition a few small tears, barely noticeable.  New seat cover are not an option as they are NLA and no other color comes close. I have checked with GAHH, Classic Center,German Auto Tops, World, Hertitage, KHM, SLS, Buds Benz, Veterans, nobody has MB Tex 112. 

Not interested in doing leather at this time the rest of the interior is in good condition, want to keep as much originality as possible. 

Need to reuse the original MB tex seat covers and would like know if anyone has reused their original MB seat covers with new seat pads and any issues to be aware of? 

No room for error here so I am taking every precaution possible using highly experienced upholster, gathering as much information from previous posts as possible, speaking to vendors,,,

[Pawel66]

Maybe take a last look at Hans Reinke, then you probably have them all...

[dpreston Virginia]

Alex,
I took my original (50,000 mile car) MB TEX seats out. Checked for broken springs and added pool noodles. Made a big difference in comfort.
I did get the Leatherique color that matched my seat and touched up a few smaller cuts. Just made the cuts less noticeable.
With the seats out it made it easy to really clean and refresh the seats.

[Rahul]

Is it possible to order new parchment covers and dye to match your colour?

Presumably not, but I don't know the answer so curious.

[Alex D]

Yes, it is possible to get parchment MB tex and dye it. The upholster said he is 80% confident that he can remove the original seat covers and reuse them, however there is a possibility they can tear or something, therefore he suggested going with parchment and dying as the back up plan.

Not ideal but there is no other option. 

[cabrioletturbo]

Need to reuse the original MB tex seat covers and would like know if anyone has reused their original MB seat covers with new seat pads and any issues to be aware of? 
No room for error here so I am taking every precaution possible using highly experienced upholster,,,

Wouldn't your upholster be able to answer all those questions? He knows what he is doing - based on what you said - and he can see the condition of your covers in person?
What other person would better advise you over a message? Just a thought...

[thelews]

I believe what you're trying to achieve can all be done from under the seat with foam inserts and pool noodles.  Flat foam piece between horsehair and springs (if not broken) will firm up seat surface and noodles at edges will firm them up.  You will need to experiment with what thicknesses and locations feel best for you.  I did it to mine with MBTex seats in a 250 SL and the seats are great.

[Cees Klumper]

Just to caution that the original MB tex on my car started to spontaneously tear, after 40 years. This was on the passenger seat rather than the driver's seat, and it was from 'old age'. I don't know if it is a common occurrence, but it means that it is possible that, some time after re-installing the old seat covers, you will end up having to replace them after all. I don't think the taking-off, re-installing process should harm the covers in any way.

[Alex D]

 Cees, You are not alone. My passenger seat which is seldom used also has a minor spontaneous tear, and a 2 minor tears in the drivers seat, all of which I am okay with if it means reusing the original seat covers, looking to preserve originality and not perfection.

[lowpad]

I did exactly what you are planning to do, though I had no tears that needed fixing.  New springs, new horsehair pads and some careful disassembly / reassembly and I was able to keep them.  I think I was fortunate to have a very good sattler in Germany who had done this previously.  Seats look great.  I understand that it is possible to get smooth grain 230SL-style upholstery kits (many early cars seem to have the later grain on them, which is something I didn't want), but I'd like to try and keep my originals as long as possible. Good luck!